William Leslie

James Leslie was a child who drowned in one of the Redan quarries in 1895.

History
Leslie was drown in a quarry on Market Street on New Years Day, 1895: DROWNED WHILE CRAYFISHING. A lad named William Leslie, aged 12 years and three months, son of James Leslie, engineer, 24 Urquhart street, was drowned in a quarry hole off Market street, Redan, on New Year’a Day, while engaged in crayfishing. A magisterial enquiry touching the death was held yesterday by Mr R. M. Serjeant, J.P., at his office. Redan, when the following facts were brought out:—John Leslie, aged 14 years, said he was with his brother on the after noon of the 1st, at the quarry hole off Market street. They were catching crayfish. Witness, hearing a noise, looked round, and saw his brother in the dam. He jumped into the water, and tried to get William out. The latter caught him round the neck and dragged him under. The deceased then let go, and witness struggled to the land. Neither his brother nor him self could swim. John Veal, a miner, residing in Park street, deposed that at 3 o’clock in the afternoon his wife told him there was a boy in the quarry hole. He ran to the spot, and together with a man named George Tomlinson plunged into the water. They recovered the body in about 8 feet of water and brought it to the bank. They stripped the clothing off, and while a Mr Warren tried to revive animation witness went for help. Dr Pinnock arrived shortly after, and tried various means to restore life. The quarry hole, which in the deepest part was about 20 feet, is unfenced, and frequent complaints have been made to the City Council about the dangerous state of the place, some eight or nine persons having been drowned. A large number of children are constantly playing about the quarry. Dr Pinnock said death was due to asphyxia from drowning. The deceased had apparently been a strong, healthy lad. Formal evidence was given by Mr Leslie, senior. A verdict of accidental death was recorded. Constable Stallard conducted the enquiry on behalf of the police.