SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1357, 18 January 1905, Page 2

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

MR. REG. SHEET FALLS DOWN f STEAMER’S HOLD. 5 3 DROP OF ABOUT 20 FEET. 3 > A serious accident happened last night . to Mr Reginald Skeet, son of Mr W. O. j Skoet, while inspecting the steamer Karamoa in tho Boy. Wo aro informed that Mr Skoet, in company with a friend, was [ making his way down the iron ladder into the hold, when ho stopped over tho boam expecting to find a foothold and was precipitated into space. He fell through two holds, a distance of about 20 feet, striking his .head on the combing of one of them as he passed through and landed on the frozen carcases beneath. Ho was rendered unconscious by the fall, and remained so. The accident occurred at 10.30 p.m., and unfortunately there were none of the looal steam boats out at tho Karamea at the time and it was eleven when tho Nautilus came out to bring in the lighter. Every attention possible under the circumstances had been paid to the young man by those on board the vessel, and ho was brought ashore immediately the Nautilus went out. He was attended on arrival at the wharf by Dr Morrison and regained consciousness, although he apparently did not recognise those around him. He was bleeding from the ears and was retching very often, and from the symptoms Dr Morrison decided to send him to his home at once, so that he might have complete rest. A cart was procured from Messrs Kennedy and Evons, to which Mr Fred Hepburn harnessed one of his horses, and the young man was taken to his home. His injuries are considered dangerous, as Dr, Morrison says the base of his skull is fractured.