Alfred Redvers Inggs

Uitenhage Chronicle, Wednesday, 26th February, 1930

Explosion at Dynamite Factory.

MR. A.R. INGGS AND FOUR NATIVES KILLED.

An explosion occurred yesterday morning at the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, near Johannesburg, resulting in five fatalities, four natives and Mr. Alfred Redvers Inggs, the Assistant Superintendent. The tragic happening has brought bereavement to a Uitenhage family, as Mr. A.R. Inggs was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Inggs, of Cuyler Street. He was thirty years of age. Educated at the Muir College, he proceeded to Rhodes University, taking the degrees of B.Sc. (Chemistry & Botany) in 1921, and M.Sc. (Chemistry Cl. 1) in 1924. He joined the Chemical Laboratory of the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory and was subsequently appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Works. His last visit to Uitenhage was during the Christmas Holidays. Deceased was unmarried.

The funeral will take place at Uitenhage on a date not yet fixed; but probably Friday, we are informed. The deepest sympathy of the Uitenhage community goes forth to the bereaved parents, brothers and sisters.

THE ACCIDENT

A Reuter telegram indicates that the explosion occurmed in a quinan packer machine, the native who was working it being blown to atoms. Mr. Inggs must have been visiting this packer at the time. He was killed outright, but it is stated that his body was not badly injured. The three natives, in addition to the one at the machine, were also killed outright; and another was injured. About 250 pounds of weight of dynamite is said to have been involved.

The Star, Wednesday, 26th February, 1930

MR. ALFRED R. INGGS

CHEMIST WHO WAS KILLED IN EXPLOSION

A correspondent writes:-

Alfred Redvers Inggs, who was killed in the explosion at Modderfontein Dynamite Factory yesterday, was born at Uitenhage, 21 miles from Port Elizabeth, in 1900, his father being partner in the firm of Gubb and Inggs, owners of the largest woolwasheries in the Eastern Province. At the Muir College, where his schooldays were passed, he was known as a steady worker, and from kindergarten to matriculation, he was always "within the first three" at the annual prize distributions. Possessing considerable aptitude for physics and chemistry, it was only natural that he should want to take the degree of Bachelor of Science at Rhodes University College, Grahamstown.

While of a retiring nature, Mr. Inggs made fast friendships, because those around him quickly learned that his word was his bond. Keen sportsman though he was, short-sightedness was the drawback to his prowess. But it is not generally known that he was a fine long-distance swimmer, and I recall an incident of boyhood days when he battled in a swollen stream for about 150 yards to save the life of an "unwanted" cat. Being shy by nature, he was afraid that others would poke fun at him over the "rescue," so I solemnly agreed to adhere to his later statement that he had "fallen into the river." That was 19 years ago. Unhappily, that same river afterwards brought great sorrow into his life.