A sad accident occurred at Kaitangata on Thursday last, as a result of which a youth named William Rogers was fatally injured. The young fellow, who is only 18 years of age, was engaged in a wrestling bout on the beach at Kaitangata when he met with the accident, and was, it is presumed, thrown heavily, as when picked up his neck was broken. The unfortunate youth was brought in to the hospital, but after he had been examined his case was pronounced hopeless, and it is evidently only a question of time when the affair must have a fatal termination. Rogers' deposition were taken by the police. -Poverty Bay Herald, 2/1/1903.
William Rogers, who is lying in the hospital with a broken neck, still lives, though apparently merely lingering. The circumstances in which he met with the accident were simple. He had gone with some friends to Wangaloa Beach from Kaitangata to camp, and while “skylarking” on the beach began a friendly bout of wrestling with his friend, George Bowmar. Rogers tripped, and, falling, not only got his head twisted inwards towards his chest, but also brought down Bowmar on top of him, with the result that Rogers found himself speechless and unable to move. He was brought in to town and from the day of the accident (Christmas Day) has been lying in the hospital. Rogers exculpates Bowmar entirely, and says the whole thing was an accident caused by his tripping himself. Both Bowmar and Rogers are eighteen years of age, and both play in the local band. They were sharing camp together with other young fellows. -Evening Star, 3/1/1903.
CASUALTIES.
THE FATAL WRESTLING BOUT.
An inquest was held yesterday at noon at Kaitangata Athenaeum before Mr McKenzie, coroner, in connection with the death of William Rogers, who had his neck broken at Wangaloa Beach on Christmas Day through his tripping and falling while engaged in a friendly wrestling match with a friend named Bowmar. Inspector O'Brien represented the police, and Mr W. Wilson was foreman of the jury. Evidence was given by A. Dick, J. McVeigh, E. Anderson, Hugh McCorley, Henry McCorley, and G. Bowmar, who were present at the time of the accident. Nothing fresh was disclosed, except that deceased had had two cups of beer and two drinks of whisky just before the accident, and was under the influence of liquor. The Inspector produced the deceased's statement, on oath, affirming the evidence that the occurrence was purely accidental. Dr Fitzgerald also gave evidence, and said he was very much surprised the deceased had lived so long. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, no blame being attachable to anyone. -Otago Daily Times, 6/1/1903.
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