CO129-245 - Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [5-7] — Page 138

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Mr. Cooke to Harbour Master.

RECD?

IRSE 18 JUN 301

Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Company Limited,

Hongkong, 8th May, 1890.

R. Murray Rumsey, Esq: R. N.,

Harbour Master, Hongkong.

Dear Sir,

Referring to the accident which happened to the late Mr. John S. Brewer, Government Marine Surveyor,

I have made enquiries of all our staff; two of them recollect the accident having happened and I distinctly remember Mr. Brewer speaking to me about it; unfortunately no person took a careful note of the occurrence so that we do not know the vessel's name; but as nearly as possible the circumstances were as follows:-

Mr. Brewer was up at the propeller of the vessel inspecting it and by some means the scaffolding gave way precipitating him and others who were on the stage at the time into the Dock. Mr. Brewer complained to me a day or two afterwards of the nasty fall he had, also the nervous state he was in, more specially when called upon to go on scaffolding.

These are the circumstances as nearly as I can remember and two of our men can testify to the same as being as nearly correct as their memory will serve.

I have &c.

Signed) R. COOKE,

Chief Superintendent.