FLAXMILL FATALITY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2666, 19 April 1905, Page 27

FLAXMILL FATALITY.

Before the same iury an inquest was then held as to the death of William Fyfe, aged 26 years, who on Friday last received injuries at a flaxmill at Sandymount that terminated fatally. Mr Neill appeared on behalf of the Ocean Accident Insurance Company.

Dr Marks stated that deceased was brought to the Hospital on Friday, about 1 p.m. Amputation of his arm was clearly necessary, And Dr Closs was sent for and the arm was removed at the shoulder — the scapula, which, was bioken in pieces, also having to be removed. Deceased stood the operation, but never completely rallied from the shock of his injuries, and died shortly after 9 o'clock.

Robert Alexander Stewart, flaxmiller, residing at Sandymouut. identified deceased's body. Deceased was a flaxmiller, and witness's partner. Deceased was on Friday last working: at ths scutcher. Witness turned round ancf saw deceased hanging by the arm, his arm having been dragged into the scutcher up ia above the elbow. The engine was stopped and Fyfe released, the arm being terribly mangled. He was taken to the Hospital as soon as possible. Deceased was experienced. at the work he was doing, a-nd had flirted up ihe scutcher to suit himself. The fibre was rather damp that morning.

William M'Bride, engine-driver at the flaxmill in question, also gave evidence, stating that deceased gave the orders to bring the fibre in.

James Anderson also gave evidence,

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was due to the injuries and shock received by deceased while scutching flax, the fibre being in too damp a state, for which deceased was alone responsible.

The 1915 labourers who are now engaged iv road constitution under the Roads Department are distributed as follows: — Auckland, 225; Te Kuiti, 249; Rotorua, 151;! Hawke's Bay, 123; Taranaki, 267; Wanganui, 263; Wellington, 146; Marlborough, 20; Nelson, 66; Westland, 202; Canterbury, 29; Otago, 66; Southland, 108.

At Kaitangata on Thursday, before llr G. Cruiekshank, 8 M., Donald Fraser was fhied £3, in default se\cn days' imprisonment, on a charge of procuring beer for prohibited persons . and Thomas Sharp was) dealt with in a -imilar manner. On a charge of tiding threatening- behavkmr Fraser was fined £2, in default se-icn days' imprisonment.