The Stoney Creek Accident

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1627, 5 February 1886, Page 4

The Stone y Creek Accident

At tho inquest held yesterday a verdict of accidental death through foul air was returned. Not many new facts were elicited. Briefly told the narrative is as follows : — ln the forenoon the deceased Denilar had been down tho well, which was sunk about 35 feet, and feeling a strange seneation he was drawn up, and went sowing grass seed. Meet ing the deceased JBuife, on his return from Palmerston, the latter volunteered to go down. Deiular lowered him down, and he had his pipe m his mouth as he sat on the seat across tho rope. He was seen putting his pipe m his vest pocket, but made no reply to questions put to him. Demlar then, m his anxiety to assist his neighbour, got lowered down, and tried to get hold of Buffie, but becoming himself overpowered, he sang out " Haul me up quick." By this tune Mrs Demlar had summoned Gage, a settler close by, and they both worked hard at the windlass. When they had taken about a couple of turns, Demlar tell off unconscious. Further assistance was obtained, and putting down burning paper it was found that it would not remain alight a few feet from the sur face, the foul air being so strong. Efforts were then made to purify the air, by dashing water down and agi tating the air by drawing up and down a branch of a tree. Hotfniann then volunteered to go down, but did not. experience the risk which it was rumored, as he felt no ill effects, the air having been well purified before he went down. By his aid the bodies were drawn to the surface. When the inquest took place the natural colour of the skin had changed to a darker hue, the effects no doubt of the cause of death. Insensibility must have first taken place and asphyxia afterwards, the death. being thus a painless one. Medical testimony Droved that death under the circumstances would have taken place m. about the space of a minute?">- / Mr Demlar's family consist of five, mostly grown up and some married.