Biography

Deceased lived for 26 years in Victoria before moving to Western Australia. At the time of his death, Martin had a brother named John, who was working at Lake Way as a tool sharpener, and a sister living in Sydney. On the round of the underground manager at 10pm on 10 April, there was apparently nothing noticeable in the stope where deceased was working, to cause alarm, but on a later inspection it was found that a large body of earth had fallen, under which Ryan was pinned. On this being removed, the unfortunate man was discovered in a lifeless state. It was estimated that about six tons of earth and rock had fallen. It was later established that the cause of death was that the neck was broken. There were other injuries such as a dislocation of the left clavicle, the fifth rib was broken, and there may have been internal injuries. The medical officer examining the body did not hold a post mortem examination but he declared that the injuries could have been caused by a fall of earth or stone striking the deceased. Ryan was in the No. 1 level, under the No. 8 pass. He was instructed to go and shovel the stone broken in the stope down the No. 8 pass. He was then left. The shift came off at midnight but he missed the time check. He had been last seen alive at 11pm. A search began and his coat and billy were found half way down the hill which led to the discovery of his lifeless body. Martin is buried in Plot 28, Section A, Roman Catholic section of Lawlers Cemetery.