FLAXCUTTING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4434, 1 April 1930, Page 3

FLAXCUTTING FATALITY.

FLAX HOOK INFLICTS DEEP GASH ON BACK OF NECK. Albert A’Court, single, 26 years of age, employed ns a flaxen tier by Whitaunui Ltd., met with an extraordinary accident yesterday, which subsequently had a fatal ending. ■While engaged in llaxeuttiug yesterday afternoon in the swamp at Monton, across the river and about two miles distant from the mill, the flax-hook he was using by some means slipped from his hand oi was deflected and the sharp crescent-shaped blade came down on the back of the neck, inflicting a wound three inches deep which, it was subsequently ascertained, cut through all the main vessels at the back of the neck. His workmates bound up the wound and conveyed him to the mill and Dr. Wyllie was summoned. Upon arrival tlm doctor attended the sufferer and ordered his immediate removal to the Palmerston Hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital it was seen that the wound inflicted was of a critical nature and an operation was performed from which lie did not rally and he passed away at 3 o’clock this morning. In the flax area where deceased was working there is a fair amount of blackberry growing among the flax and it has been suggested that possibly an upward swing of the hook was made to cut the vines which deflected the hook and caused deceased to lose his grip. Deceased is a son of Mr. G. F. A’Court, of Waikokopu, Waivoa. From further enquiries made this afternoon from Mr. A. Thomson, swamp manager, we wore informed, that deceased was an experienced cutter and started work on March 7th. He had been similarly engaged about three years ago. 'Deceased was working on a “brake” between tu r o other cutters, Messrs Rountree and Geo. Rankin. No one saw the accident happen but Rountree heard deceased call out that lie had cut himself. Rountree went to him and noticed that he was holding the back of his neck with his hand. He said to Rountree “I’m done,” but did not make any further statement.

Rountree and Rankin carried him to the tram and he was conveyed to the mill.

The accident happened at about 3 o’clock. The “brake" that deceased was working on was similar to the others on fairly level ground.

All the cutters knocked off work on hearing of the accident and did what they could to assist.

Deceased’s mother is at present on a visit to her son who resides at Rangiotu.

A,n inquest will be held and Constable Owen proceeded to While mini Ibis morning to investigate.