ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2558, 22 March 1923, Page 3

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

CHRISTCHURCH’S BAD RECORD. Christchurch, Last Night. Harry Hopkinson, who was killed at Wood Bros, flour mill, was a prominent Freemason. He was master of Lodge Christchurch in 1903, and secretary for some years, and was Past Grand Director of Ceremonies of the New Zealand Grand Lodge. The inquest was opened to-day, when (lie police report staled that Hopkinson was inspecting the machinery about 3.30 p.m., and apparently lost his balance through some cause, and got tangled in the rope driving gear. He was dragged round the flywheel, and his body, when released was dropped into a pit below the driving gear. It is protected by two wooden rails a!,out four feet high, and it is thought deceased had a fainting turn and fell forward. His head was mutilated by the revolving ropes. Deceased is said to have been feeling a bit weak for - the past few days and apparently he was somewhat run down.

. The remarkable series of fatal accidents in Christchurch and surrounding districts during the past few weeks lias caused a considerable amount of comment. Since February 3rd 20 people have met their deaths by misadventure. This is exclusive of suicides and sndden deaths from natural causes.