James Thomas Kearns, (1902-4/12/1930). "struck and canted another tree"

DEATHS.

KEARNS — At Riverton, on December 4, 1930 (the result of an accident), James Thomas Kearns, second son of Mr James and the late Mrs Kearns, late of Scotts Gap; aged 28 years. R.I.P. Funeral notice later.  -Southland Times, 5/12/1930.

James Thomas Kearns.

A strong young life was suddenly taken on Thursday, 4th December, 1930, when James Thomas Kearns died at the Riverton Hospital as the result of an accident at Kilkelly's Sawmill, Motumote, when a tree fell upon the unfortunate yictim while he was working in the bush at his occupation. Only 28 years of age, deceased was a native of the Scotts Gap district, being a son of James and the late Catherine Kearns. He lived all his life in this locality and was a wellknown figure and enjoyed a wide circle of friends, whose sympathy is extended to his sorrowing relatives. The funeral took place from the Catholic Church on Sunday, to the new cemetery, Father Doneghan officiating.  -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 9/12/1930.

That James Thomas Kearns died at Riverton on December 4 from shock and internal haemorrhage from the bladder, injuries accidentally sustained by the deceased in the course of his employment when a tree which was being felled struck and canted another tree which in turn hit the deceased, was the verdict returned by the Coroner (Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M.) at the adjourned inquest yesterday morning into the recent Motumote fatality. Sergeant Abel conducted the case for the police, Mr Eustace Russell appeared for the insurance company concerned, and Mr S. Morrell Macalister on behalf of relatives of the deceased. Evidence was taken of James Stapleton and Terence Hogan, fellow workmen, who testified that the deceased was a good and careful bushman and that he met his death through a pure accident.  -Southland Times, 17/12/1930.

Otautau Cemetery.