KAI IWI ACCIDENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 112, 14 May 1931, Page 6

KAI IWI ACCIDENT

FATAL DIVE INTO STREAAf. EVIDENCE AT AN INQUEST An inquest was held by Air J. H. Salmon, S.M., yesterday morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of Thomas William Gibbs, single, aged 23 years, a carpenter by occupa tion. Gibbs’ death followed an accident at Kai Iwi beach on December 27, 1930. Evidence given by Henry William Wakeling ami Dr. Frank Copeland Hutchison, disclosed that on December 27. 1930 the deceased, in company with some friends, went to the Kai Iwi beach. During the course of the afternoon, when they were going down to swim in the surf, deceased dived into the Kai Iwi stream, which is describe 1 as being only waist deep. A friend who saw him dive said that he thought deceased dived too vertically, and anticipating trouble he went to his assistance. When deceased came to the surface he was helpless and was only able to move one hand. He saic to his frieud. “1 have done something. Get me out.” Dr. Hutchison who was on the beach nt the time, was callod and immodiatelv diagnosed a severe spinal injury. He ordered the removal of the injured man to hospital. On further examination Dr. Hutchison discovered a complete fracture of the spinal cord together with a fracture of some of the bones of the ver tebrae. Deceased remained mu inmate of the Public Hospital until Alonduy afternoon when he died at 2.15 p.m. Death was caused by congestion of the lung supervening upon his injuries. A verdict was returned in accordance with tho medical evidence.