Janet (1888-26/3/1942) and Roy (1926-26/3/1942) Sinclair.

DEATHS

SINCLAIR. — On March 26, at her residence, Owaka (result of an accident), Janet, beloved mother of Iris, Esma and Allen Sinclair, also Roy Alexander Robert, son of the above, aged 16 years. Deeply mourned. — The Funeral will leave their late residence for the Owaka Cemetery on Saturday, 28th; at 1 p.m. — G Fraser, funeral director.  -Otago Daily Times, 27/3/1942.

TRAGEDY AT OWAKA

FATAL ELECTRIC SHOCK 

MOTHER AND SON KILLED 

(Special) BALCLUTHA, Mar. 27. A defect in a wireless set is believed to have been the cause of a distressing tragedy at Owaka yesterday. The victims were Mrs Janet Sinclair and her son, Roy Alexander Robert Sinclair, aged 16. 

Roy Sinclair, who had been employed at the Owaka dairy factory, but had been working at home recently, was cutting a hedge, when he noticed that the aerial connected with a radio set in the house, had fallen across the garden path. He stooped and grasped the wire with the intention of putting it aside and was electrocuted, dying almost immediately. So far as is known, his mother, who was the only witness of the tragedy, emerged from the house at the time, and, seeing her son on the ground, caught hold of him and tried to pull him away. She was also killed instantly. 

A neighbour, who appeared on the scene, suffered slight shock on touching Mrs Sinclair's body, but other neighbours who followed were more cautious, and took no action until the power had been turned off at the switch in the house. 

Dr H. N. Johnson was summoned, and, with nurses from the Owaka Hospital, made an unsuccessful attempt at resuscitation.

Mr J. Tait, foreman for the Otago Electric Power Board at Stirling, who was in Owaka, examined the aerial wire and said it had clearly been alive, and that it had carried a current of 230 volts. The danger from the wire had been accentuated by the wet ground. An investigation is said to have disclosed that the aerial was electrified as the result of a defect in the wireless set, an occurrence which is believed to be exceptional. An inquest was opened before the district coroner (Mr W. Roy) in the evening, and was adjourned after evidence of identification had been taken. It is to be resumed early next week.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/3/1942.

Owaka Cemetery.