DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 34, 14 June 1913, Page 5

DOMINION NEWS.

THE LAKE COLERIDGE SCHEME. [Per Press Association.] Christchurch, June 13. The machinery for the hydro-elec-trical installation at Lake Coleridge, which is being landed at present from the s.s. Courtfield, represents a total value of close upon £13,000, To-day a start was made with the work of forwarding it to the site of the works at Lake Coleridge. STATE COAL.

Wellington, June 13. The Hon. W. Fraser, Minister for Mines, indicated to-day that as soon as the output of coal from the New Liverpool mine became a little larger in volume, and it was found that the producion was possible a a reasonable cost, he would be prepared to consider a reduction in price to consumers. Some little time ago, it will be remembered, the price was increased 2s per ton, but with a sufficient output in sight the v Department hopes to be able to supply everybody's needs, and to lower the charge by some part, if not the whole, of the 2s. THE SMALL-POX OUTBREAK. Auckland, June 13. By the Atua, which arrived at Auckland this morning from Sydney and Island ports, further news was received of the recent outbreak of small-pox on the steamer Michael Jebson,. at Apia (Samoa). It appears that the Michael Jebson, a German steamer of 1251 tons, arrived at Apia on May 18, from Hongkong, with over 1000 Chinese coolies on board, who are under contract to work on the plantations in Samoa. Prior to the vessel reaching Apia a case of small-pox was discovered amongst the coolies, and the steamer was ordered to an anchorage outside the harbor. No communication was allowed between the ship and the shore, and' the affected patient was removed to a barge about seven miles along the coast, where he was placed under strict observation. The Atua arrived at Apia on June 3, and up to that date no one had landed or boarded the infected steamer. It was reported, however, that several more , cases had broken ou|, amongst the coolies. On the discov/ry of each .fresh case the captain of ihe Michael Jebson had to heave up his anchors and steam up the coast, so as to land the patient on one of the barges. Everything possible was being done to stamp .out the disease when the Atua left Apia.

A SHUNTER'S DEATH. Dunedin, June 13. Mr Graham, district coroner, held an inquiry this morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of George John Neil, railway shunter, who was killed during the course of his employment on Wednesday night at the goods yards-. Deceased was 39 years of age. Evidence showed that at the time of the accident deceased was making up a goods train. He gave the "Come back" signal to the driver, who responded. Immediately afterwards deceased was found on the ground with one leg severed. Hifoot was fast in the points, and his body about five feet away. The coroner said that about twelve months ago he held a somewhat similar inquiry, and drew the attention of the authorities to the advisability of shoes or special boots being worn by shunters. He had not heard what had been done in the matter. It was stated that there was a notice in the "loco." shed advising that elastic boots be worn, but there was so much jumping up and down to be done that tic boots made the feet sore. They became loose, and constituted a danger in themselves. The coroner: That certainly shows that the authorities have been alive to the danger, but I suppose the men wear the boots they prefer. Mr Wallace, the goods agent, explained that in his opinion deceased, who had been so careful, had inadvertently misjudged his position and thought that .he was further south and clear of the points. It was not the practice to attempt uncoupling waggons at points. The coroner said it was clear that the cause of death was purely accidental, and that no blame was at- ! tachahle to anyone. He expressed his pleasure that the remarks he had made at a previous inquest had not been overlooked by the authorities.