FATAL BURNS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1932, Page 5

FATAL BURNS

INQUEST ON WOMAN.

“DISREGARD OF REGULATIONS.”

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association,

AUCKLAND, April 21

Criticism of a small unregistered suburban factory was made by Mr Hunt, S.M., Coroner, at an. inquest concerning the death of Pearl Eliza Gunnoid, aged 22. Miss Cunnold, who resided at Mount Albert, received fatal injuries on March 16th., while working at the factory of Messrs Dock and Coy., manufacturing chemists, Alt. Eden.

“This young life wag thrown away owing to a disregard of the regulations for the preservation of life,’’ said the Coroner, in recommending to the Inspector of Factories, who was presbht, that steps should he taken to jnwcutb the employer, Vml Book, for failing to yogi**®? ids factory. At the time of the accident «©■ ceased was heating a benzine tin containing wax, for the manufacture of floor polish, over an open fire. Her clothing became ignited, and she was enveloped in flames, receiving extensive and severe burns. 'She died in Auckland Hospital four and a-half hours after admission. There were no eye witnesses of the accident. Paul Bock said that when the accident occurred he was absent from Auckland, the deceased being in charge of the factory. Deceased had been employed in the factory for the past six years, and was a competent worker. In witness’ opinion, the deceased was lifting the tin of wax from the fireplace when her dress caught alight. She should not have melted wax in benzine tins without handies, as other benzine tins with handles wore provided for the purpose as a precaution against harm. Witness had given deceased a leather waistcoat Imd aprons, overalls and clogs. She should have worn these clothes while at work at the fire. James Mas Ice 11, Deputy-Superintend-ent of Mt. Eden Fire Brigade, gave evidence of having rendered first' aid to the deceased after . the accident, and of having extinguished the fire at the factory. “In my opinion, the place wms nothiiicr but. ft death trap,” added witness? “A fire was burning m the fireplace when I first went in, and I put it out with a hose.” The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased died from shock, following burns received, while working In tie employ of Bock and Coy.