FATAL INJURIES.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20038, 19 June 1937, Page 2

FATAL INJURIES.

MR. L. ALEXANDER'S DEATH.

CRUSHED BY TRUCK. INQUEST THIS MORNING. The injuries received by Mr. L. Alexander, when he was crushed between a railway truck and a motor lorry at the Thames North station yesterday morning, proved fatal, his death occurring in the Thames Hospital this morning. The inquest was opened this morning before the coroner, Mr. W. Bongard, and, after evidence of identification, was adjourned. Life of Service. Mr. Alexander had, up to the time of his death, lived a very full life, devoted largely to service to his fellowmen. He was "born in Thames 64 years ago, and after leaving school went goldmining, and was later in charge of Messrs. J'udd's sluicing works on the Thames foreshore.

When the May Queen mining disaster occurred, Mr. Alexander was one of tho men who went down to rescue tho miners trapped at the 1000 ft. level. Mr. Alexander brought one man to safety, and immediately, in face of death, returned and rescued a second mam.

For a period, Mr. Alexander was farming on the Hauraki Plains, but returned to take up residence in Thames, and had lived here ever since.

Volunteer Fire Brigade work claimed Mr. Alexander at an early age, and ho had to his credit one of the longest terms of service in the history of NewZealand Brigades. It was away back in the '9o's when he joined the Thames Volunteer Fire Brigade, and, except for the break when he was resident on the Plains, he had served continually up to the time of his death. Literally speaking, Mr. Alexander was "married to the Brigade," its work coming before all things in the superintendent's life. He graduated from the lowest order to the highest, and was beloved and respected by the men over whom he had command.

The superintendent sought no reward for his services, although it was ofttimes deserved. His reward was satisfaction he received from his well-

doing. • Mr. Alexander leaves a widow and throe sons and two daughters, They are: Messrs. H. L. Alexander (Reparoa), P. Alexander and R. Alexander (Thames), and Mrs. J. Clevely (Orongo) and Mrs. Creamer (Galitea). The funeral will take place on Monday at the Totara Cemetery.