MAN ELECTROCUTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 June 1938, Page 8

MAN ELECTROCUTED

IRON POLE MAKES CONTACT WITH POWER LINES. UNEXPLAINED MISHAP IN USING TACKLE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The inquest on the death of Sidney Martin Sheppard, aged 60, yard foreman at the Wellington Meat Company Works, at Ngahauranga on May 30, resulted in a verdict by the Coroner. Mr E. Gilbertson, that death was due to electrocution, 8 through contact being accidentally established between ' an iron pole and a galvanised iron fence, against which Mr Sheppard was j standing. The evidence showed that a number of men were engaged in cutting down an old iron pole. A derrick was used, to hold the pole when it was cut through, but the two men on the ropes were unable to hold the load and the pole made contact with overhead power lines on the road. A big electrical disturbance followed and it was assumed that Mr Sheppard was electrocuted by reason of his contact with the fence. i The Coroner said the only point at > issue was how the pole was allowed te sag as it did. the evidence showing 2 that the tackle was in good order, the guys taut and the gear ample to deal with the job with one man, let alone two.