FATAL ACCIDENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 713, 8 January 1903, Page 2

FATAL ACCIDENT.

DEATH OH MR DAVID CURTAIN

There was thrill of dismay through the community yesterday, when the information got about of the terrible accident to Mr David Curtain, whose name is familiar to all old residents of the district.

Mr Curtain was in the employ of Messrs Clayton Bros., builders, and was engaged at their mill in Gladstone road. He had been grinding a chisel, the grindstone being driven by a shaft from overhead. After completing his work lie removed the belt from the pulley connected with the grindstone, and thence proceeded to place the belt in the position where it is kept when out of use. A stick for the purpose is usually kept at hand, but apparently Mr Curtain attempted to remove the belt without the aid of the stick. In doing so lie unfortunately got caught in the bolting, and was swiftly whirled arouna the shaft for about half a dozen times, his legs being bumped against a cross beam at each revolution. Mr Andrew Somervell, who was in charge of the engine, immediately stopped the engine. The body dropped to the tramline below. There was not much hope for poor Dave after his dreadful experience. Happily he was unconscious, for the injuries received were terrible.

Dr Morrison, on examination, found the whole of one side of the unfortunate man had been crushed, nearly everv rib being fractured, and las collar bone and shoulder blade on the ieit side being broken, and ms arm almost torn on—a truly painful sigtil. At the time of the accident Dr Morrison was attending a patient near by in Palmerston road, and he was at once summoned, and the police also apprised. Under the supervision of (sergeant Siddeils the suuercr was removed to the Hospital, where everything possible was done for the patient. At the outset there was little iiopc, but every effort was made to save life. A surgical operation was promptly made, Dr Williams assisting, but the shock to the system had been so great that the patient was unable to recover from the state of collapse, and died in about half an hour after the operation had been completed^ An inquest “will be held at the Hospital at noon to-day i Mr Curtain was a very old resident of the district, and was very popular among his work-mates. lie was a very steady and industrious man, and was aged about 51). He was married but had no family.' He arrived in

Gis borne in the early days when it; was taking a smarts move forward in the building line, He was among the partv who made the first trip to the Thames, in the old steamer Endeavor. He steadily persevered in his work at Gisborne, and was in very comfortable circumstances. The shock to Mrs Curtain was tl very severe one. On learning of the accident she had proceeded to the Hospital, arriving in time to learn that her husband had passed away. The deepest sympathy will he felt ior the bereaved lady in her great sorrow. It is exceptionally sad to think that Mr Curtain left his home in good health and spirits in the morning, and was so soon stricken down without warning of any kind. He was a man who enjoyed good health, and very seldom missed a day's work. Among the messages of condolence received by the widow was one .rom the Hon. James Carroll, who was an old friend of the family.