INQUESTS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1929, Page 7

INQUESTS

DANNEVIRKE TRAGEDIES (By Telegraph—Press Association). DANNEVIRKE, Sept. 2. At the inquest on the death of .Michael Culloty, contractor, who was killed at Oringi oil Wednesday last, it was shown that ail employee put 20 plugs of gelignite in a kerosene tin, which was placed on the embers of a fire' for the purpose of warming. The employee left the tent to go to another place, leaving Culloty there sitting on his bunk. An explosion occurred soon after, Culloty’s right thigh being badly lacerated, and he diedsoon after from haemorrhage and shock.

In returning a verdict in accordance to the medical evidence, the Coroner, Mr Dobson, said that it was a case of misadventure.

Another coronial inquiry was held into the death on Wednesday last of Charles Michael McPeak, of the Government Audit Staff, Napier, whose spine was broken in a motor car accident at Mangatera Hill, near Dannevirlce. The driver, T. G. Scott-Smith, said the car developed a shimmer going up the hill, arid despite his efforts to overcome it, and in taking in consequence a wider sweep of a corner than he otherwise would have done, the car went over the bank, turning a complete somersault, and resting on its wheels McPeak died immediately on arrival at the Public Hospital.

Tiie Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and added a rider recommending the erection of a warning post and a substantial fence, painted white, at the scene of the accident. It might be mentioned that a sedan car went over the bank at exactly the same place on Saturday afternopn in broad daylight. The driver, the only person in the car, escaped with minor injury.