Thursday 18 November 2021

John Liitjens, 1871-12/4/1904

FATAL ACCIDENT AT WAITAHUNA GULLY.

At about half-past four yesterday afternoon, John Liitjens, aged about 30 years, who was engaged in Messrs Thompson and party's olaim, Waitahuna Gully, was killed. He and another workman named Larsen were engaged putting in a shot and while tamping the hole it exploded, the full force of the blast striking deceased on the head, the flesh of which was completely carried away. His mate is also badly injured about the face and throat. Dr Sutherland was telegraphed for and lost no time in getting to the scene of the accident and did everything in his power for the relief of Larson, whose injuries are of a serious and painful nature.  -Tuapeka Times, 13/4/1904.


Our Waitahuna correspondent writes: — The sad and distressing accident which happened on Tuesday last at Thomson and party's claim, Waitahuna Gully, whereby John Liitjens lost his life, has caused quite a gloom all over the district. Much sympathy is felt for the sorrowing relatives — two sisters and a brother, who deeply mourn their loss. The deceased was a fine, steady man, and being of a kind and amiable disposition was well liked and much respected by all who knew him. The funeral, which took place on Thursday last, was largely attended, the Oddfellows, of which deceased was a member, heading the cortege. The remains were interred in the Waitahuna Cemetery, the funeral service being conducted by the Very Rev. Monsignor O'Leary.   -Tuapeka Tmes, 16/4/1904.



Waitahuna Cemetery.

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