A MINER'S DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 304, 18 May 1911, Page 5

A MINER'S DEATH.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. , By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. An inquest on the body of .John McGhee, aged 2!), who was killed by a fall of coal in the Kaitangata mine on Monday evening, was held to-day. The medical evidence was to the effect that deceased had a scalp wound eight inche* long, cutting the scalp to the bone. The skull was also fractured and death must have been almost instantaneous. Other evidence showed that the body was recovered about 15 or 20 minutea after the fall took place. The coal fell from a height of from seven to ten feet. Deceased was regarded as a careful, practical and experienced miner. When the accident occurred deceased and two others were falling coal into boxes. No shots were fired on thalfe shift, but two or three were fired earliel in the day. The section where ttfe accident occurred was generally regarded as a very safe place. It was examined by the deputies at 1.30 p.m., and was then quite safe. The jury returned s verdict that deceased met his death by a fall of coal, and added a rider that the working together of three or four men in a mine increased the danger to the workmen. Deceased leaves a widow and two children.