CASUALTIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3339, 13 March 1918, Page 46

CASUALTIES.

At tho inquest in regard to the death of William Nash, a soldier who was killed on the Ist at To Kuiti Railway Station, a verdict was returned that death was accino blame being attachable to anyone. The jury considered the action of a railway cadet named Smith, who attempted *?„, assist the deceased when ho was in difficulties, was worthy of tho highest praise. Thomas Mcharry, jun., 43, single, a farmer at Upper Kokatahi, Westhmd, was burned to death early on the sth through his hut being destroyed by fire. An infant named Frederick Jupp, aged 19 months, whose parents reside at Onehunga, died in the Auckland Hospital lato on Wednesday, 27th ult., from the effects of swallowing Condy's crystals (reports' the Zealand Herald). In the forenoon the child's mother, when cleaning a shelf, took down a packet of the crystals, some of which the child took when her back was turned. Medical aid was sought, but it was thought at tho time that no great harm had been done. Tho child's condition grew worse, however, necessitating its removal to the hospital. William Hamer, 29 years of age, single, eon of Mr Hamer, picture theatre proprietor, was drowned in the Manawatu River near Foxton wharf on the sth, through the upsetting of a dinghy while endeavouring to pick up the anchor attached to the motor launch. His companion on the launch heard no cry from Hamer, and, owjng to the darkness and flood in the' river, could not render assistance. The body has not been recovered so far. A distressing accident happened to Robt. M'Leod, a resident of Lawrence, whose right hand became caught in the machinery of a chaffcutter on which he was working, and was severely torn by the machinery. The sufferer, who lost most of his hand, was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital on the 6th, and is progressing as well as could be expected. At Ophir on the 28th ult. a young man named W. Kcrney attempted -to cut his throat with a razor. Fortunately for him. the wound was not a very serious one. His injuries were attended to by a doctor, and he was brought into the Dunstan Hospital,- where he is making a good recovery. The body of Hugh Dorance Stott, a married man. aged 58 years, was found in the Avon River, Christchurch, on the 7th. Robert Binnie, aged 77 years, residing at Sawyers' Bay, was admitted to the Hospital on Wednesday suffering from injuries to his head. It appears that he was driving into the city in a spring trap, and when near Leith walk the horse shied. He was thrown out- on to 'the road, his head coming into contact with the hard surface. He is progressing as well as can be expected To bo in two motor accidents of the same kind within a fortnight is, to say the least of it, a novelty (says the Southland Times). Yet such has been the experience of Mr W. Robinson, of jockey fame. Tho latest "turn-over" occurred on tho way to the Gore races on Wednesday morning. It appears that a party consisting of Messrs D. Kilkelly, Gardiner, W. Robinson, and another were driving down the Edendalo Hill, which, has a very nasty turn near the bottom. While attempting to change gears the driver lost control of the car, with the result that it overturned. One of the party received a broken collarbone, but the others escaped with a severe shaking. Mr Robinson was able to fill his riding engagements. John Hood was drowned on the 7th as fcha result of a boating accident off Kai Iwi Beach, near Wanganui. The deceased and several Natives went out fishing, and when returning the boat capsized in the surf. The Natives scrambled ashore, and it wa3 then found that deceased was missing. The body was recovered shortly afterwards. Deceased was born at Wingatui 60 years ago. He was very well known, and was a wheelwright by trade. A man named Charles Ericson was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital on the Bth, supposed to be suffering from the effects of chlorodyne poisoning. He died during the afternoon. The Wairoa police on the Bth received information that Peter Jensen (single); 28 years old, a Tutaekura farmer, was drowned at the Waiau Crossing at 3 p.m. Deceased attempted to cross the flooded river. The horse failed) to efflect a landing, and, when recrossing, died, the rider being swept away. The body has not been recovered. Henry R. T. Matson was found dead on Saturday evening in a house formerly occupied by him at Papanui. The evidence at the inquest showed that deceased was found lying in a room with three unlighted gas jets on. The medical evidence stated that deceased suffered severely from neurasthenia, and this probably affected hi 3 mind. A ver*dict that death was due_ to asphyxiation by coal gas, deceased having committed suicide while temporarily insane, was returned. Matson was 51 years of age, and was formerly a member of the firm of H. Matson and 00. He retired from business some years ago. The body of a young man named Percy Ellison, who disappeared from Petone on Sunday week, was recovered from the harbour on Saturday morning.