Reference:

An inquest was held upon the body of William John Brown at the Melbourne Morgue, 10 March 1921, date of death stated as 24 February 1921, 8.45pm, at the Melbourne Hospital. He died from injuries (fracture of the spine and haemorrhage into the cord) caused by the falling of a 40lb (or 70lb) bag of sugar at the Little Dock whilst at his work on the 22nd day of February 1921. The death was ruled an accident. William's address was given as 74 Ballarat Street, Yarraville. He'd been unloading sugar for the Colonial Sugar Refining Company from the lighter Neptune. The bag fell from a sling from a height of about 20 feet. William 'had been employed by the company for about 30 years, and was looked upon as a very steady, reliable and competent man'. William's son Alfred, labourer, 74 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, identified his father's body.