ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6748, 20 March 1900, Page 1

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

♦ THE BALMAIN DISASTER. United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. SYDNEY, March 19. Alexander Robertson, one of the victims of the Balmain colliery accident, was a New Zealander. [Per Press Association.] ■ GISBORNE, March 19. Harata Herona, a half-caste, was killed by the capsizing of a dray. NELSON, March 19. A thirteen-year-old boy named Louis Louisson was found drowned in the Maitai whither he had gone to bathe this afternoon. DUNEDIN, March 19. An inquest was held to-day with reference to the death of Janet Millar, wife of George Millar, of Roslyn. The evidence went to show that a severe operation had been performed at the end of February, and the woman had been depressed ever since, fretting much about the cost. The jury returned a verdict that deceased died from the effects of poisoning by phosphorus, caused by eating match heads while in a state of temporary insanity.

Inquiries made at the Christchurch Hospital last night showed that the lad Gainsford, who was accidentally shot on Sunday, was in a very critical condition. It appears that the boys connected with the accident had not been out shooting, as was stated in yesterday's issue, but were handling a revolver, -which had not been;used ior over eight yeaTs. The boys got a cartridge into the revolver, and, being unable to .fire it voff, were endeavouring to withdraw the cartridge, when the revolver - exploded j and the ehaige entered Gainsford's stomach. An inquest into the circumstances connected with the death . of John Atkins, was held at the Christchurch Hospital yesterday afternoon, before Mi* R. Beetham, coroner, and a jury of whom Mr J. Rhodes was chosen foreman. The evidence was to the effect that the 'deceased, who was employed at a threshing plant, was shifting camp with his mates, and while crossing the bed of the Waipara River, on the way to Mr Taylor's place, he jumped from the vehicle in order to recover a broom which had fallen out. He missed his footing and fell, and the wheels of the vehicle passed over his legs. His mates,- C. C. Macintosh and H.. Mockitt, picked him up, and after doing what they could for him, took him to Amberley, where he received medical attention. He was sent on to the Christchurch Hospital, and died on Saturday. The jury returned a, verdict that the deceased met his death from the: results of an accident, and that no hUune was attached to anyone.