FATALITY IN A MINE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16608, 4 December 1919, Page 5

FATALITY IN A MINE.

THE MANAGER FINED. jrer Press Association. DUNEDIN. Dec. 3., At the Police Court David M‘Neill was charged with failing to withdraw Robert William Smith from an unsafe place, in tho Brighton coal mine. Mr. M'Gregor, who prosecuted, said tho defendant was the manager of the mine, and Smith was killed by a fall of stuff. Defendant, at 7.55 a.in. on the day of the accident, examined tho fall where Smith was working, and found it safe. At 2 p.m. he again visited tho place, and ho heard a sound which indicated looseness. Defendant told deceased to take down tho stuff. On Ids return at 3.5 p.m. he found this was not done, and lie told him emphatically to take it down. A fall took place immediately afterwards, and Smith was killed. Defendant’s counsel argued that the instructions given were reasonable. The Magistrate said the defendant should have withdrawn Smith. The defendant was fined £5 and costs.