Biography

It appears that the deceased, after lighting a charge, was making his exit from the shaft by climbing up by the timber, when the latter gave way. precipitating Massey some 10ft and jamming him against the wall close to the shot, which exploded and blew his left leg to pieces and also caused other injuries to the body. When found, he was conscious and said " For God's sake take me out of this. My leg's blown off." On being extricated, it was found that the left leg was simply blown to pieces. Medical assistance was sent for, but deceased only survived the shock for about 10 minutes during which time he suffered great agony. At the time of the accident, deceased was working alone. His wife and family are in Coolgardie. The deceased was well known in mining circles throughout Australia and was, at one time, manager of the Londonderry and other mines in the Coolgardie district.