FATAL ACCIDENT AT ROSS.
EMPLOYEE ELECTROCUTED
Mr. Hugh McQuillan, an experienced and capable engine-driver, met an instantaneous death at the Ross Goldfields, Ltd. mine yesterday morning. Apparently the deceased came in contact with a live wire and was electrocuted.
Mr. McQuillan was about 40 years of age and leaves a wife (Martha, a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Adamson of Ross) and one child, a boy of nearly two year. His mother died in Reefton a couple of weeks back, and there is a brother resident in Reefton.
The Coroner, Mr. Hewitt, and the Inspector of mines Mr. Otto Bishop, proceeded to Ross yesterday afternoon.
The news of the fatality caused great shock to the community, amongst whom Mr. McQuillan and his wife were widely known and highly respected.
The Inquest. At the inquest held last evening before Mr. J. G. L. Hewitt, Coroner, the evidence of Mr. Barrance, the Manager of the Ross Goldfields Reconstructed, Ltd., Leonard Smart, an engine fitter, and Alexander Buchanan was heard.
Smart’s evidence was to the effect, that he found the power was off at 5.10 a.m. He drew the switches and then discovered the power was on again. He realised there was something wrong owing to the telephone buzzing and he heard a cry from the winding room. He went in and found McQuillan stretched on a table, his head being supported by Buchanan. The Doctor was sent for and arrived about a quarter of an hour later. The witness was examined and cross-examined by Messrs Sellers and Wells as to the condition of the power line, which he stated had broken and come in contact with the telephone line.
Alex. Buchanan deposed he found McQuillan stretched on the table under the transformer. He heard him say “Oh, I am dead."
The Doctor said he was of the opinion, from the lesions found on the body of deceased, that an electric current had passed through the body, thereby causing death from violent shock to the nervous system and consequent paralysis of the heart.
Thomas Otto Bishop, Inspector of Mines, and Robert Ward, lineman, were also examined, the latter stating that he found the power lines broken and lying on the telephone lines as the result of trees lying across the line at Slip Hill. The Coroner reserved his verdict. -West Coast Times, 28/1/1915.
Mr. A. Falkenbach will run one or more motor cars to Ross to-day in connection with the funeral of the late Hugh McQuillan.
Mrs McQuillan, widow of the late Hugh McQuillan who met his death on Wednesday morning at the Boss Goldfields sub-station has received numerous telegrams from friends in all parts of the Dominion expressing sympathy with her in her sudden bereavement. The funeral of Mr. McQuillan takes place to-day. -West Coast times, 29/1/1915.
LODGE WESTLAND KILWINNING No. 88
MEMBERS of the above Lodge are requested to follow the mortal remains of the late BRO. HUGH EDWARD McQUILLAN to their last resting place, the Ross Cemetery. The members to meet at the Lodge Room, Revell Street, Hokitika, at 11.45 THIS (Friday) MORNING.
Full Regalia.
By command of the W.M.
LODGE WEST LAND KILWINNING NO. 88.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE friends of the late HUGH McQUILLAN and of his WIFE are respectfully invited to follow his remains to the Ross Cemetery. The funeral to move from his late residence, Moorhouse Street, THIS (Friday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o’clock p.m.
CLARKE BROS., Undertakers. -West Coast times, 29/1/1915.
Writes a Greymouth correspondent: — The fatal accident that caused the death of Mr. Hugh McQuillan, at Ross, last week, was shockingly sudden. It appears the strong wind that blew during the night caused some trees to be uprooted and to be thrown across the electric wire of the power house, breaking them and bringing them in contact with the telephone wire. Unaware of this, Mr. McQuillan was about to use the telephone, but no sooner had he touched the receiver than the electric fluid passed through his body, causing almost instantaneous death. -Auckland Star, 5/2/1915.
From the above, and the evidence of Leonard Smart, it seems to me that the phone rang due to the unexpected power sent through it by the accident and, naturally, Hugh answered it.
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