BLASTING TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1929, Page 3

BLASTING TRAGEDY

ON HAAST PASS TRACK. (Special to Guardian.) PEMBROKE, July 8. John Mcßride, of Okuru, the foreman over the blasting operations ipinid necessary since the damage of the disastrous floods of January, was killed by a fail of rock on Thursday, July 4th. . It was well on the following morning before his two companions were enabled to remove the body from the debris, and Dale rode to Makarora to break the nows and- help was sent out to remove the body to Pembroke, which had to bo done by pack-horse. Deceased was a thorough and painstaking Public Works employee and was well experienced in handling explosives. Ho was a native of Pembroke and after spending a short period in the United States he returned to New Zealand and settled on the Coast. He was engaged in flaxmilling, mining, and was for the last fifteen years fanning at Okuru. Possessing a straight-forward character, he was at all times willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a splendid typo of settler and will leave a wide circle of friends.

His mother (Mrs Marsh) resides at Oamani and Mrs Tlieo. Russell is a sister. Deceased was unmarried and his age was given as 45 years. The funeral was held at Pembroke following the inquest and was largely attended. / Many old school companions were present and. the pall bearers included work mates and cx-Coastcrs and friends of the deceased. CORONER’S INQUEST.

A Coroner’s inquest was held at Pembroke on July 7th before Mr J. Walker, J.P. Theodore Russell, farmer of Mosgiel, brother-in-law, identified the body. Had not seen deceased for five years. Deceased had been residing (in the hack country for a number of years. Leonard Dale, labourer, employed by the Public Works Department and camped at Burke Hut, was employed with deceased. They were working together on Thursday, 4th July. Was removing rock overhanging the track. At 4 p-.m. fired a shot of gelignite. Very little earth and rock came down as a result. The rock face did not appear to be shook, and no signs of cracks. Went away to get a pick. Had returned to within three feet of deceased, when a mass of rock fell, falling straight on top of deceased, carrying him twenty feet below the edge of the track. Found nothing coultf be done so went for McGuire, half a mile along the track. Both returned to the scene of the accident. Nothing could he done owing to darkness. • The ’following morning rode to Makarora and reported the accident. Only one leg was exposed when lie left.

Janies McGuire, labourer, employed by Public Works Department on Haast Track, stated Dale came to him and informed him of the accident. Dale said, “Jack has gone—half the hill has slipped and buried him,” and informed him of the accident. Asked Dale if he could see any sign of him in the debris. Accompanied Dale to the scene of . the accident. Saw no signs of the body. . Later, saw deceased’s detached leg on the track. Further search revealed the body buried. Recovered the body badly mutilated next morning, leks one leg and portion of the arm and fingers of the other hand, which are still missing. Estimated 100 tons of rock fell. The body was severely gashed. Was certain death was instantaneous. Knew and worked with deceased for seven or eight years. Deceased was in charge and knew his job thoroughly. Considered it was purely misadventure. In company with other men from Makarora packed on horseback the remains to Makarora. Constable Brooks stated the accident was reported to him by telephone at 3.30 p.m. on Friday, July sth. Owing to the isolation of the scene of the accident he gave instructions to have the body brought, out by his friends. Met the body by special launch at Makarora wharf at 7 p.m. on July 6th and conveyed it to the Pembroke Hotel to the 'inquest. The right arm and fingers of the left hand wore missing. No doubt death was instantaneous.

The Coroner returned a verdict that the deceased. John Mcßride, was accidentally killed whilst in the employ of the Public Works Department on Haast Pass track.