BREEZE AT INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1929, Page 5

BREEZE AT INQUEST

INTERVIEWING A WITNESS. (By Telegraph—Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. Developments took a sensational turn at an inquest this morning, when Mr (!. S. Thomas, solicitor, assailed the action of the Inspector of Factories and two Inspectors of .Machinery. Air Thomas said that oi the three inspectors, the conduct ’of two was in question. They had called and interviewed a witness last Monday night. “Their conduct was such that they would have been severely criticised if they had been solicitors.” Coroner If. P. La Wry: “While some latitude may be allowed in these matters, they took liberties which they had no right to take.” The inquest concerned the death of Ronald Kcmpthorne, aged 17, of If King Street, Templeton, who leli against a fan at the Glue and Gelatine Works of MacLaren’s Ltd., at Hornby, on Jan. 29. receiving injuries which proved fatal. The inquest commenced last Alonday and at that time the question was raised as t<> the notice to protect the •fan which it was said had been issued by E. Hargreaves, an Inspector of .Machinery, and which Air I liomas announced the Company would deny icceiving. After much evidence had been heard, the inquest- was adjourned so Mint a director of the Company could give evidence concerning the visit of Liu* Inspector of Machinery. U was this witness, John Alarshall, that the Inspectors interviewed alter the previous bearing. The inquest is proceeding.