MINSTER LOVELL.

INQUEST.

On Saturday, 24th inst., an inquest was held at the residence of Mr. Abrahams, Ringwood, on the body of Frederick Longshaw, of Leafield, who was accidently killed on Good Friday.

The following evidence was taken:-

Ernest Wiggins deposed: I live at Leafield, and am the son of Philip Wiggins, labourer, and am 14 years of age. On Good Friday, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I was in Mr. Abraham's granary. I was standing close by George Pratley, who was shovelling the corn away into a heap on the flour. I was near the strap, which was hanging loose from the pulley, the spindle was working but not the strap. In the morning and afternoon Longshaw and I were cutting chaff, and after we had both finished our work, I went up into the granary to see George Pratley, who was shovelling corn at the time. When the accident occurred there was only Pratley and me present.

William Mustey said: I am a blacksmith, living at Fordwells. I was about two chains away from the shed, when I heard a boy call out to the driver, Frederick Wilsdon, to stop the engine, this was about 3 o'clock. Pratley and Wilsdon went to the shed as soon as possible.

Frederick Wilsdon, of Leafield, deposed: I am a labourer, in the employ of Mr. Abrahams, of Ringwood. On Good Friday I was driving the engine, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when I heard Pratley call out "stop the engine."

George Pratley deposed: I am the son of Thomas Pratley, of Leafield, and work for Mr. Abrahams, I was in the granary at the time the accident occurred I was shovelling the corn from the mill and my back was turned at the time, and I knew nothing of the accident until I heard a noise. On looking round, I saw deceased being dashed against the wall. I immediately went and told Wilsdon to stop the engine.

Sarah Eaton, of Leafield, stated that deceased was son of Frederick Longshaw, of Leafield, and that he was 12 years old last August.

A verdict of accidental death was returned.