A fatal accident occurred on the Rising' Sun dredge, Cromwell, about three o'clock on Thursday afternoon. A young man named John Hosking, who has been fireman there for about two years, was caught in the screen rollers and killed instantaneously. He was a native of the district, and was about 35 years of age. He leaves a wife and three children. - Tuapeka Times, 15/7/1905.
Fatal Accident on the Rising Sun
On Thursday afternoon a fatal accident which cast a gloom over the whole district, occurred to John Hosking, one of the firemen, who become entangled in a driving belt. The deceased, who was only three days short of 37 years of age, was a native of Cromwell, was universally esteemed throughout the district. He leaves a wife and three young children. His parents have been residing at Quartz Reef Point since the early sixties. An inquest was held on Friday evening, Messrs Green and Mcintosh, mining inspectors, being present. A verdict of "Accidental death, no blame attachable to anyone," was returned. Deceased was buried at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and without doubt, the funeral was the largest attended of any held here. The loyal Cromwell lodge, deceased belonging to the M.U.1.0.0.F., preceded the hearse, and numbered 64. Mr J Kane, dredgemaster, and crew of the dredge acted as pallbearers. Thirty-four vehicles, and numerous horsemen and pedestrians formed the mournful cortege. The Presbyterian minister, Mr Warne, conducted the funeral service at the grave, and preached a forcible and impressive sermon. Bro. Charles Ray permanent secretary of the lodge, read the beautiful and touching Oddfellow's service. -Dunstan Times, 17/7/1905.
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| Cromwell New Cemetery. |
THE RECENT RISING SUN AND GOLDEN RIVER FATALITIES.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — With respect to the widows and orphans left desolate and fatherless by the above fatalities, it has been suggested that if an opportunity were given most of the men employed on the dredges would be only too willing to aid the families of their comrades, who have been suddenly stricken in the grim battle of life. One of the poor fellows — John Hosking, of the Rising Sun dredge, Clutha — was literally demolished in the whirring, whirling machinery of the dredge, leaving a wife and three children. Alas! their sun has set. The other — Alexander Macgregor, of the Golden River dredge, Alexandra, Coal Creek Gorge — was, by the collapse of a handrail, thrown into the relentless clutch of the cold, boiling undersuck of the Molyneux: and there he sleeps. He also leaves a widow and three orphans. The kiddies are still waiting for "daddy" to come home. Golden River, indeed! A river of blood. We have been thinking the matter over, and feel confident that, with the assistance of the Otago Daily Times, the local papers throughout the dredging districts (who might kindly copy this letter), and the dredgemasters of Otago and Southland, a very decent sum might soon be gathered for the immediate assistance of the families of the victims of these dredging horrors. What we suggest is that the dredgemasters consent to receive subscriptions from their respective crews, thus subdividing the work of collection, stimulating the scheme by their prestige and support, and obviating the expense of preparing and sending out subscription lists. With respect to the division and distribution of the fund, we wish it distinctly understood that all moneys sent to us for the relief and support of these families shall be sent on the following conditions: — 1. That on Monday each week the amount subscribed, name of subscriber, and name of dredge be sent by us for publication to the Otago Daily Times. 2. That on Monday each week the full amount subscribed, less only cost of money orders and registrations, be divided, and an equal portion sent to each of the widows, the recipients to acknowledge direct to the Otago Daily Times, giving date and amounts received. This is our plan, and we trust it will meet the approval of all parties interested. Dredgemasters in remitting will please give names, amounts, and name of dredge, and should remit by P.O. money order, addressed "J. H. Davidson, secretary R.S. and G.R. Relief Fund, Alexandra, Otago." In conclusion, Sir, we trust you will give the desired space, and thus help in cheering the cheerless. The world will be the better and brighter and nothing the poorer, and we sincerely trust the gloom of those now burdened and stricken will be lightened and softened by a comprehensive, generous expression of sympathy. — We are, etc., Wm. Noble (10s), M. Hydraulic. J. A. Peterson (10s), Perseverance. Geo. Fisher (10s), Earnscleugh No. 2. J. H. Davidson (10s), Secretary Otago and Southland Gold Miners' Union. -Otago Witness, 9/8/1905.
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| The Rising Sun gold dredge. Hocken Library photo. |
THE DREDGING FATALITIES.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — Your last Thursday's issue contained a letter from Mr Davidson, secretary of Dredgemen's Union, and others, embodying the laudable suggestion that all dredgemen should contribute towards the support of the two widows and families bereft of their breadwinners by the late double fatality. Considering the uncertainty of the dependents of the victims receiving compensation from the accident insurance companies, and the length of time that elapses before all the legal formalities are complied with if compensation is paid, the idea that every dredgeman give one day's pay into a fund, to be divided between the widows, is a happy one, and I feel certain will be liberally responded to. May I suggest that the dredgemasters of every dredge in Otago and Southland start a subscription list among their respective crews; the amount so raised to be equally divided between the poor widows. Should this be done it will in a small degree provide them and their fatherless children with the necessaries of life until the compensation is awarded. 1 understand that the dredgemasters of the Cromwell district have already taken steps to fall in with the happy suggestion of Mr Davidson and his colleagues. — I am, etc., Lewis Mauris, Secretary Rising Sun G.D. Company. -Otago Witness, 9/8/1905.
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