Sewer Fumes Prove Fatal for Rotorua Borough Foreman

Grey River Argus, 16 November 1948, Page 4

Sewer Fumes Prove Fatal for Rotorua Borough Foreman

OTHERS ALSO OVERCOME P.A. ROTORUA, Nov. 15. The foreman of the Rotorua Borough Council was killed and another council employee had a narrow escape when they were overcome by fumes in a manhole in Rotorua after 7 oclo’ck tonight. The man killed was Walter John Shaw, aged 54, married, with five children, of Devon Street, Rotorua. The other man was Ambrose Ratema Timihou Tekowhai, aged 53, married, of Ohinemutu. In response to a complaint that a sewer was blocked, Tekowhai climbed down a 12ft. ladder into a manhole on the corner of Hinemaru and Hinemoa Streets. The foreman waited above. Tekowhai, however, was overcome by fumes, and he collapsed. Shaw went to his re.scue, but, before he could get Tekowhai to the ladder, he too collapsed. A passer-by gave an alarm and Constable T. S. O'Donnell borrowed a smoke mask from the fire station and climbed down the the manhole with ropes. He also fainted, and he had to be assisted to the surface. In the meantime the Rotorua FireBrigade arrived with rescue equipment, and Fireman R. Henderson, wearing an oxygen mask, climbed down the ladder and he put ropes under Shaw. Shaw appeared to be still alive when brought to the surface. He died before attention could be given. Artificial respiration was begun immediately on Tekowhai, who recovered,consciousness ifi the ambulance on the way to Rotorua Hospital.