Accidents and Fatalities.

Manawatu Herald, 20 September 1904, Page 2

Accidents and Fatalities.

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 18. Early to-day Dennis McDevitt, a resident of Springfield, was found lying unconscious in a right-of-way between the Lyttelton Times office and the Masonic Hote. He was removed to the hospital, where it was found that his skull was fractured,, and he died an honr after admission, never regaining consciousness. Deceased had been.in.town ten .or eleven days, > and was on a’ drinking' boill, having been arrested a few days* ago and convicted of drunkenness. AUCKLAND, September ig. David Donald, aged 28, a son of Mr R. Donald, late of Canterbury, was cleaning a single-barrel muzzledsader, when he put the muzzle to his mouth —the nipple being close to a lighted candle—with the intention of blowing tha nipple clear. The gun proved to be loaded and the charge., exploded. The ball entered .the man’s mouth and death was instantaneous. His two sisters were in the room at,the time of the fatality. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned. NELSON, September 19. A narrow escape from drowning is reported. A boating; party of seven people were in the harbour yesterday sailing in the deep channel, neqr the bank, when the boat was. by a puff of wind catching the‘mainsail which was just hoisted. Mr Pbllard and son saw the accident and went to the rescue in a boat; and five were recovered. They were clinging to the boat. Two swam ashore.