FATAL ACCIDENT AT KIHIKIHI.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 162, 12 November 1912, Page 3

FATAL ACCIDENT AT KIHIKIHI.

(Own Correspondent.)

A man named John O’Donahue employed as a roads surfaceman in the Kihikihi district, met with injuries by falling from the loft of Thomson Bros’ stables on Wednesday, the 6th inst., at about 4 a.m., which proved fatal the same evening at 6.40 p.m. . All inquest was held at Bonner’s Hotel Kihikihi, on 7th inst., before iMr J. B. I'easdale, Coroner. Constable Ryan, appearing on behalf of the police. The evidence went to show that deceased, on the sth inst., at 6.30 p.m., came to Kihikihi to engage a horse and dray for road repair work, and remained at Kihikihi over night In order to get an early start with the hired vehicle. At II p.m. he retired to bed in the stable loft of Thomson Bros, with an employer of the firm named Easthope. The deceased was then in perfect health and spirits. At 3.30 a.lll. the following morning, Easthope missed deceased and hearing heavy breathing below the lott steps discovered the unfortunate man on the floor of the stable in a state of unconsciousness. Information was at once sent to the police, and Dr Henderson of Te Awamutu was summoned. The doctor’s examination proved that the deceased was suffering from pressure on the brain caused by internal hemmorrhags and held out no hopes for his recovery. Everything possible was done for the alievation o'f'the suffering of the unfortunate man, Mrs Bonner, of the Star Hotel being untiring in her efforts, but deceased never regained consciousness, and passed away at the time stated. A verdict of accidental death was brought in in accordance with the medical testimony. It is conjectured deceased was in the act of descending the loft by means of the stationary steps, and missing his foot-hold fell to the floor of the stable below, a distance of II ft., sustaining injuries to the head which must nave struck the floor with considerable force. The deceased’s watch stopped at 3.15, and it is surmised that it was at that time the fatal fall took place. Deceased was much respected by all who knew him, and was for many years engaged at road working in and around the district. At the time of his death deceased was employed by Mr Worthington, Government roads engineer of Otorohanga, and much regret was expressed by that gentleman on receipt of the news of the sad accident, as a better and more conscientious workman could not be desired. Father Lynch of Kihikihi officiating at the burial which was attended by a large number of the deceased’s friends. The late Mr O’Donahue was a magnificent type of the Irish figure. He was about 65years of age, but his appearance would have done justice to that of a man in the prime of life. He was one of the band of soldiers in the troublesome times, and was stationed with the forces between Kihikihi and Taupo, and Jack O’Donahue, as he was formerly known, is said by his old comrades to have been every inch “ a soldier and a man.” Decease d was a single man and is said to have but one relative in the Dominion, at Waiorongamai.