HOME-MADE EXPLOSIVES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19802, 18 May 1934, Page 6

HOME-MADE EXPLOSIVES

WARNING AS TO HAZARDS. CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. The danger of persons manufacturing explosives and using them was emphasised in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, when Dougald Ingram Henderson, of New Brighton, was charged with manufacturing explosives. Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was convicted and discharged. He was also charged with manufacturing for practical use an explosive —a chlorate powder consisting of a mixture of potassium chlorate and sulphur—contrary to the provisions of clause 5 of the regulations under the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. Sub-Inspector Powell said that Henderson wak engaged blasting logs for a neighbour. He had mixed potassium chlorate and sulphur and poured the powder into holes in the logs. He was in the act of packing the holes when an explosion oeaerred. Two girls and the defendant were injured, the defendant and one girl being rendered unconscious. Roy Girling Butcher, Chief Inspector of Explosives, said it was regretted that it had been found necessary to bring the case as the defendant had considerable punishment by reason of his injuries, but the Department considered it was necessary to give the maximum possible publicity to the facts regarding the hazards of chlorates of sodium and potassium.