ACCIDENT ON A LIGHTER.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6850, 12 December 1893, Page 2

ACCIDENT ON A LIGHTER.

A MAN FEARFULLY INJURED,

The work of transhipping cargo from the lighters to vessels lying in the roadstead is a most hazardous occupation, and it is a singular and fortunate circumstance that during the many years the brave lightermen have been buffeted about in all weathers alongside steamers and sailing craft in the bay, there have been no accidents of any serious consequence to 'them. The fact speaks well for the care and capabilities of the men whom Messrs Kennedy and Evans, who control the lightering business of the port, have in their employ. At lasfc, however, the good record has been broken, for an accident happened last evening by which terrible injuries were inflicted on a man named Henry Burst, better known as "Gus." Burst was in charge of Messrs Kennedy and Evana cutter Iris, which was tendering the woolship Estrella. Ab 4.45 p. m. the last sling of wool was being sent up from the lighter to the ship, and as it ascended Burst walked aft to get clear of the bale, which, however, struck him in the side. knocking him over the rail of the Iris. As he fell the bale swung with the lurch of the vessel — there being a good sea roll on at the time— and caught the unfortunate lighterman by the feet jambing him against the rail. Thus held, his head fell downwards outside the lighter, and instantly the ship gave a heave towards the Iris, crushing Burst's head in a shocking manner. The poor man cried out lustily, and the other lightermen at once sprung to his aid. The bale was forced between the lighter and the big vessel, and " Gus " was hauled on board, bleeding profusely from his crushed head. The steam launch Noko at once towed the cutter to the wharf, and the injured man was promptly removed to the hospital, where he lay in an unconscious and critical state through tha night. Dr. Heal* superintended Burst's removal to the Hospital, and informs us that the I sufferer has recovered consciousness, and is on a fair way towards recovery. At about ten o'clock this morning another accident happened to a lighterman named Williamson, engaged on Messrs Nelson Bros', steam launch Tuna, which at the time was lying alongside of the steamer Star of Victoria. The man's; arm was broken, through being jammed between two casks of tallow which rolled together in the Tuna's bold when the vessel gave a lurch,