The catastrophe at Miramar
At about 3:30pm on 6 June 1910, a mass of earth without the slightest warning came down upon two men who were working in the drive at the Miramar cutting, and completely entombed one of them.
The two men John Wilson and James Philipps had just gone into the drive after a “shot” had been fired. The shot bought down a mass of earth and after they entered the drive, a second mass came down and buried both of them.
James Wilson was rescued at about 8pm, having been administered chloroform while they tried to extricate him and immediately sent to the hospital. By 11pm the contractors had as many men as could work in the cutting engaged in the search for James Phillips. They worked through the night but it wasn’t until 11:30am the following day that they found his body.
An inquest was held on 8th June. James was described as a competent man who had the confidence of his employer and the men. He had been employed for about 2 months and had been foreman for the last five weeks. Discussion was held on the method of work, competency of the men and oversight of the Wellington Harbour Board. The medical practitioner present when his body was found thought that death had been instantaneous.
“A verdict was returned that the death was accidental and the coroner recommended that the Chief Engineer of the Wellington Harbour Board be instructed to report on the best methods of carrying out this admittedly dangerous work, with a view to minimising the risk run by the workmen engaged thereon”.
James’ funeral departed from the Mortuary Chapel of E Morris jun, 60 Taranaki Street on 10th June for Karori Cemetery. James was a married man with two children. A Benefit “social” in aid of his widow was held at the Druids’ Hall, Taranaki Street on 12th July. James is the only interment in this plot and we have been able to confirm who his family were, other than that his wife’s name was Elizabeth.
Plot: Ch Eng/Y/193
Plot of James Phillips
