WORKER KILLED

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1929, Page 6

WORKER KILLED

BY UNPROTECTED FAN. [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.) CHIIiISTOHLIRCH, Fell. j 4. Alore evidence was heard to-day of the circumstances of the death of Ronald Kempthorne, aged 17 years, who died on January 29tli from injuries received at the glue and gelatine factory of AfcLaren Ltd., Hornby. Kempthorne was placing gelatine in a drying chamber, and working in close proximity to a fan which was working. No one saw the accident, but it was clear that Kempthorne received his fatal injuries through being struck by the fan. Evidence was given by representative's of the firm and the Government Inspectors’ Department. The witnesses agreed that the fan should have lieoii protected if .men were to work near it. Ernest Hargrcave. Inspector of Machinery. said he first inspected the fan on September 29, 1927, when a notice was served referring to win* protections. He cancelled the notice a few days later, he said, .because the Manager told him no one would he allowed in the Chamber while the fan was-, in motion. No record could fie found of either the notice or the cancellation. All of this evidence was contradicted by Henry Glanville Stiles, manager of the factory, and his son. Tbe inquest was adjourned to enabe further evidence to be called.