Story: Workplace safety and accident compensation

Clearing a logjam (2nd of 3)

Clearing a logjam

The axeman in the centre of this 1894 drawing is clearing a logjam of logs sent down a stream to the sawmill. When the creaking of the logs tells him that the jam is clearing, he has to throw his axe aside and leap to shore to avoid being crushed or drowned.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: James K. Arthur, Kangaroo and Kauri. London: Sampson Low, 1894, opp. p. 106 (B-K 878-106)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Hazel Armstrong, 'Workplace safety and accident compensation - Working in the 19th century', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/23263/clearing-a-logjam (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Hazel Armstrong, published 11 Mar 2010, reviewed & revised 18 Apr 2016