THE LATE BLASTING FATALITY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1249, 28 May 1886, Page 2

THE LATE BLASTING FATALITY.

Dunedin, May 27. The funeral of Mrs Irwin, the second victim ot the blasting accident, took place to-day, and was largely attended, many business places closing. At the inquest the evidence of Rowan and MtKovan, who were at work in connection with the blast, was first taken, Johnßrabyn, in charge of the Government quarries, was also He considered the charge had and thought a chain or pope reX should have been need. He was satisfied that a seam was the material cause of the stone scattering, but did not think its existence

ould have been known to those blasting. The only evidence of want of skill he observed by the examination be afterwards made was in the priming of the shot. Piofesaor Ulrich, in his evidence, stated that the shot was badly designed in the first instance, and made worse throught being forced Into a bank through the obstructions met with, and the burden became impossible to remove. The shot, therefore, took effect at the least point of resistance.

Other witnesses swore that five bundles of brushwood were placed over the charge, and the quantity of powder used was not improper.

The city Council hss received a first claim of Ll5O for damages in connection with injuries to buildings by the explosion.

Dunedin, May 28. The inquest is still proceeding, bat no* ;hing material has been elicited.