ROA FATALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1930, Page 3

ROA FATALITY

MINER KILLED. ANOTHER MAN INJURED. A section of the roof of the Paparoa, mine caving in yesterday, resulted in the death of Edwaird Thomas kirwan ; and injuries being sustained y by William O’Giady. The accident occurred at'3.ls p.m., shortly before „ knock-off time. The two men who were by themselves, were 1 " working'int/the saerial section .of the mine When 1 some seventeen feet of the roof collapsed; bullying both of . them,. When extricated, 'Kirwan was dead. a. piece of timber having fractured hils skull and "breaking his neck. Death was •. instantaneous. Q’Grady received minor spinal: and leg injuries, -andr was suffering from shock. Dr Bennett, of Blackball, was summoned, and rendered medical aid. The; .task of . taking O/jGSrad.v down to tire), tevel j>ro\ed extremely difficult, the stretcher bearers having to • negotiate a-Slip, which had been rendered very treacherous by the recent rain. He-. was taken to the Grey Hcapital. where his condition is stated to be satisfactory.

Kirwan, who was a native of Reefton, is survived by his mother a resident •‘•of Christchurch, two brothers, Robert and ' John, both well-known, footballers, and two- sistoip, one of whom is Mrs A. O’Donnell, whose husband is manager of the Paparoa mine. Only 27 years of age, his death will cause deep regret amongst the many .friends he has made on the West Const.' H'js genial disposition made him popular with all he came in contact with, while his activities jn sporting and social circles were widespread; He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Rugby League code and was one of the leading lights of the Roa League team,- when - that dub was'- active.

The date of the inquest has not yet been fixed.