ARM SHATTERED

Southland Times, Issue 21729, 15 June 1932, Page 7

ARM SHATTERED

RIGHT HAND LOST GELIGNITE EXPLODES A FISHERMAN’S ORDEAL (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, June 14. When killing sharks with gelignite off Great Mercury Island, a fisherman,’ George Mazuren, aged 23, single, received serious injuries as the result of a premature explosion. His right hand was blo.wn off and his arm shattered while he received injuries to his chest. He is now in Coromandel Hospital and his condition is improving. With several companions, Mazuren was fishing from a launch around the northern end of Coromandel Peninsula and as sharks were troublesome, members of the party decided to drive them away by throwing gelignite in the water. Mazuren was about to throw two sticks of gelignite when the charge exploded in his hand. The explosion shattered his arm and caused other injuries. It was at first thought it would be better to proceed direct to Coromandel, where medical aid could be obtained, but the weather was so bad that the launch could not be taken round Cape Colville. It was then decided to go to Kennedy’s Bay on the eastern coast of the peninsula and on arrival a telephone message was sent to Coromandel for medical assistance. Dr. Short, of Coromandel, set out at ten o’clock at night on horseback to cross the range and some hours later reached the bay. In the meantime first aid had been given by Mr R. Bell,, a visiting dentist. It was then decided to take the injured man to Mercury Bay by launch and he was subsequently conveyed by motor to Coromandel Hospital. Throughout his ordeal, Mazuren did not lose consciousness.