The Shelly Bay Inquest.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 23 April 1891, Page 3

The Shelly Bay Inquest.

♦ Oa Tuesday evening the jury returned their verdict on the death of the men who were killed by the gun cotton explosion in Shelly Bay. Ihe N. 7i. Times reports that the Foreman, in reply to tho Coroner, stated that they had come to the following decision :--*■' That the two deceased had diod from injuries received through an accidental explosion of gun- cotton at Shelly Bay on March sth. but that there was not sufficient direct evidence for them to say who caused the explosion." The jury also added tho following riders: -'• (1) We think thafc the method hitherto practised at Shelly Bay in the manufacture of primers is obsolete, and should be discontinued, and thafc the pattern of the canister shown as the "service" primer with the pickle bottle top should be used in-tcad. (2) We also are of opinion that officers commanding torpedo corps in the colony should be instructed by tho proper authorities to strictly adhere as far as practicable to the rules issued by the War Office for use in tho Imperial service, (3) The jury are of opinion in this instance thafc no b'ame is attachable to Captain Falconer, as he was not aware of circulars relating to the improved mo: hod of loading primer?. (Signed) G. Gamble, foreman." The Coroner enterod up a vcidict in accordance with tbe finding of tho jury, and the enquiry concluded.