FATAL ACCIDENT ON BOARD THE MANAPOURI.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7003, 1 March 1886, Page 2

FATAL ACCIDENT ON BOARD THE MANAPOURI.

INQUEST ON THE DEAD MEN. [per united press association.] Gisbornis, February 27. — At the inquest held to-day on the body of Alex. Morris, tho jury returned a verdict of accidental death, adding a rider blaming the shippers of tho acid. Gisborne, March 1. — Tho third mate is doing well. AU the others are progressing favorably. At tho inquest held on Lloyd on Saturday, Peterson and Dr. Pollen were the only witnesses examined. Petersen doposed that ho ",vcnt below with six others, and found the place full of smoke but no [ flame. While below he vomited, and all coughed severely. Had to go on deck for a short time at intervals. Was below from 3.15 to 4.45. Became unconscious after work. The other men were already side. Dr. Pollen said death was caused by asphyxia, caused through the capillary tubes above tho Inner becoming blocked through inflammation, caused by inhalation of nitric acid, which was a potent iirilant of the internal parts with which it comes in contact. A moistened sponge would have been a partial preventalivc, but not wholly. Tho captain lold him that tho smell being peculiar he had directed the men to wear a covering of cotton waste over the mouth. Some did; some did not. The jury declined to give a verdict until further evidence as to the storing of the acid, and whether there was any palpable negligence on the part of anyone. The inquest was therefore adjourned until the return of the vessel from Melbourne. Mr. Laker, tho third officer, took a turn for tho better, and there were strong hopes of his recovering; butyeßterday afternoon he underwent a relapse. Spasms again set in and the patient was suffering greaily. He died during the night. All tbe men at the Hospital are reported to be doing well.