ACCIDENT AT MESSRS COATES AND METCALFE'S FLAX-MILL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2928, 21 April 1891, Page 2

ACCIDENT AT MESSRS COATES AND METCALFE'S FLAX-MILL

Ykstkbday morning, just as work was started at Messrs Coates and Mclcalfa's flax-mill at Hamilton, an accident occurred, the end being blown out of one of tho cylinders of tho engine ernpl.iyed in driving the machinery. Tho splinters of iron flew about in all directions, and one piece was embedded in the floor close alongside where a young man named W. Mahon was feeding at one of thestrippers. Fortnnately.however, no one at all was injured. On Saturday afternoon tho engine was thoroughly overhauled, the piston rod being taken out and new rings put on. It appears that the accident was caused by tho worm which holds tho nut on the piston-rod being drawn off and the nut was then blown through tho end of the cylinder. At the time of the accident T. Vincent was in charge of tho engine, but there is no blame attachable ti anybody. This accident will mean the stoppage of the mill for at least a week and about, forty men will be thrown nut of worl:. The stoppage is very unfortunate just at. the present time, as Messrs Coates and Metcalfe had a very large supply of green Hax on hand—nearly 100 tons— and a further lot of three truck loads arlived hy the train yesterday morning.