FATAL FALL FROM A BUILDING

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 309, 24 September 1918, Page 7

FATAL FALL FROM A BUILDING

Mr. W. G. Biddell, 5.M.,. held an inquest yesterday morning into, the circumstances attending the, death of Patrick Evan, labourer, aged 76, who sustained fatal injuries on Fridav afternoon through a fall from a ladder while working on a building in Cable Street, in course of erection by Messrs. Mitchell and King lor Messrs. John Chambers and Sons. 'Sergeant''Cruickshank conducted the inquiry .on behalf of the police. Mr. T. Young watched the proceedings ou behalf of the contractors, and Mr. J. Scott for the relatives of the deceased. Dr. Pollen, who was called in immediately the accident occurred, said that in liis opinion death was due to fracture of the skull. James- M'Keon, foreman, gave evidence that Byan was engaged m carry; ing iron stirrups at the time he ineu with the accident. He had apparently started up the ladder irom the ground' floor to the first floor, a distance of 19ft., carrying ten irons weighing in all about 201b. The ladder was in good order, and was firmly roped at its upper end. It had not been shifted, and had been.used since the accident just as it was. Other workmen carried as many as 15 irons at a time. Ryan was a careful and competent workman. Witness considered that a sudden attack of giddiness or the missing of the rung of the ladder 'mi"ht have caused the accident. Giles Bradley, carpenter, stated tnat he saw Ryan a few minutes Before the accident picking up irons and placing them on bis shoulders preparatory to mounting tho ladder.- He next heard the rattle of tho irons on the concrete floor and saw Ryan lying near theioot of tho ladder. Ryan was unconscious, and was bleeding from the head and nose. Although an eldcrJy man, Ryan was quite active and a good workman. Witness considered the ladder to be perfectly safe. . . Joseph G'urran, carpenter, gave similar evidence. Constable James Cummmg, of Upper Hiitt. stated that Ryan was a marnutl man ''and had resided -at 127 Hanson Street. He was 76 years old, and was particularly active for his age. As far as witness knew deceased had never consulted a doctor and had never complained of ill-health. • The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to a fractured skull, but there was no evidence to show how the deceasd maiiagd to slip or fall from the ladder.