More Info →Tunnel Tragedy - Coffins being loaded onto lorry at Arapeti, 1922

Object type:Image

Description: Written on back of one of the copies with dark blue felt-tip pen - After the inquest on the seven victims of the Mangahao Tunnel tragedy: The coffins with the remains being placed on a lorry before going to Shannon and Palmerston North. from Arapeti A shockong tragedy occurred in works connected with the Mangahao hydro-electric power scheme last week resulting in the asphyxiation of seven men. Fatal fumes from an oil engine accumulated in the Arapeti No 2 Tunnel. Two men were overcome by fumes, and five others who went to search for them also suffocated.

Stamped on back of this copy with purple ink - Shannon Centennial 1887 – 1987

Typed on piece of paper that was attached to this copy - After the inquest on the seven victims of the Mangahao Tunnel tragedy: the coffins with the remains being placed on a lorry before goint to Shannon and Palmerston North from Arapeti; A shockong tragedy occurred in works connected with the Mangahao Hydro-electric power scheme last week resulting in the asphyxiat- ion of seven men. Fatal fumes from an oil engine accumulated in the Arapeti No.2. tunnel. Two men were overcome by fumes, and five others who went to search for them also suffocated. Taken from The Auckland Weekly. July 1922.

Tunnel Tragedy – Coffins being loaded onto lorry at Arapeti, 1922 1 B&W photo print, copy (plus additional copy)

Coffins are being carried uphill to lorry (right) from building (left) possibly the YMCA hut where dances were often held.

Written on side of truck - ‘DENNIS’ 4 TON MODEL N.Z. Express Co. Ltd.

Truck has solid rubber tyres.

This tragedy occurred on 2 July 1922. Pages 114 & 115 in book – “From Bush & Swamp” has the full story of this tragedy Pages 258 in book – “Horowhenua County and its People” also has the story. The 7 deceased men are identified as: J. Bernard (‘Bernie’) Butler (pump man), A.E. Maxwell (tunnel foreman), F. (‘Jock’) & Philip Graham, W.R. (‘Triggy’) Miller (assistant engineer), Fred Birss and his son, W. (‘Billy’) Birss.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”