ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

Southland Times, Issue 16785, 13 July 1911, Page 5

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

A SHOCKING MISHAP. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 12. At about nine o'clock this morning four men, under control of a foreman, were engaged by Mr W. B. Scott, for the demolition of an old brick wall, ten feet high and nine inches thick, at the back of Smith’s garage, between Worcester and Gloucester streets. The wall fell suddenly, the debris striking the men and partially covering them. The foreman, Mr J. P. Phillips, had a remarkably narrow escape, loose bricks striking his logs, but not with sufficient force to cause injury. George Blue, a single man about 36 years of age, who resided at 30 Kingsley street, Sydenham, was unconscious when extricated from the debris and died before reaching the hospital. John Currie, a married man, residing at 26 Lees street, Richmond, aged 31 years, was found to have received terrible injuries to his leg. He was conveyed to the hospital where It was found that immediate amputation was necessary. Charles Littlecot, a married man aged 51 years, residing at 218 Aberdeen Road, Sydenham, was also removed to the hospital. His Injuries are reported to be less serious than those sustained by Currie. WELLINGTON, July 12. At an inquest concerning the death of the late D. McMurricb, who was killed by a tram car, the Coroner found that death had been caused by accident brought about by deceased’s hesitation in crossing the line, probably through anxiety for the welfare of his wife, who was with him. No blame was attachable to the motorman in any way whatever.