THE LATE ACCIDENT AT TAUPIRI.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1226, 8 May 1880, Page 2

THE LATE ACCIDENT AT TAUPIRI.

The following are fuller particulars regarding the accident which took place in the Waikato Coal Mines at Taupiri on Wednesday : — At about 5 o'clock on the afternoon of that day the injured man Paton was engaged in the workings, and at the time of the accident was in a kneeling posture. • Without the slightest warning a large quantity of "round" coal detached itself from the seam and fell on the unfortunate man, portions of the mass striking him on the head and back and rendering him insensible. His fellow-workmen at once went to his assistance and quickly dug him out, although they had to smash several lumps of coal in order to extricate his right leg, which was cut badly about the knee and from which the blood flowed freely. He was conveyed to his hut, and a telegram was despatched to Dr Sandes, who, however, was unable to reach Taupiri till Thursday morning. On arrival the doctor found the patient suffering from severe bruises, especially about the back, chest, and right leg, but the only wounds were two or three cuts on the right knee, and no internal injuries had been sustained. Paton had a very narrow escape, indeed it seems nothing less than a miracle that he should have received injuries comparatively so slight. Had he been standing up he would undoubtedly have been killed, as he would thus have fallen under the weight of the stuff and been crushed.

Delicious. — I did not hear it myself, writes " Frank Fudge," but a friend of mine vouches for the accuracy of the statement. It happened aboard one of the U.S.S. Company's fine boats, immediately after dinner one evening. They were discussing Irish affairs and Dr O' Flummery waxed eloquent in defence of his country. He denounced absenteeism with the eloquence of an A. M, Sullivan or a C.S. Parnell. Young Mufty, of Melbourne, ventured to observe, during one of the Dr.'s breathing gaps, that he understood there were very few Irish absentee landlords at the present time. "Is it a few you mane," said the Dr., as he cast a withering look of ineffable contempt on the doubter. " "Why, my dear sir, I give you my hononr that at the present moment my unhappy counthry is swarming with them." A wbli.-known journalist was taking a walk one evening wit Ji his wife, when she, who is somewhat romantic and an admirer of nature, said, " Oh, Georgy, just notice the moon ! " " Can't think of it my dear, for less than two shillings per line," was Ws reply,