APPALLING LOSS OF LIFE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1008, 24 December 1910, Page 5

APPALLING LOSS OF LIFE.

1 —: 0 —■ -■ MINERS BLOWN TO PIECES. RESCUE WORK STOPPED BY GA S FUMES. 350 MEN PERISH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. London, December 22. Rescuo efforts in the Pretoria Colliery at Bolton, Lancashire, where 350 miners aro imprisoued, were continued throughout the night. It was found impossible to penetrate far into the workings owing to the gas fumes arid heavy falls of rock. Many of the bodies were blown to pieces. 1 Women and girls kept a vigil at the pit-head. Tko British Association visited the mino at its annual meeting, because it was one of tho best-equipped in Lancashire. The. management, could have secured coal threepence a ton cheaper by means of explosives, hut substituted hydraulic machmerj-,- to lessen the risk. The Mayor of Bolton has opened a fund for the relief of the families of tlio victims. President Fallieres lias telegraphed his condolences.

ONE SURVIVOR ONLY, RELIEF FUND OPENED. (Rec. December 23, 9.40 p.m.) London, December 23. The only survivor of tlio' 350. miners engaged in the Pretoria pit is the boy who dashed along the tunnel immediately the explosion took, place, and was rescued with the Orley men. . A hundred and fifty bodies have been found. Heavy rains impede the removal of the bodies. Twelve Hundred and fifty women and children have been bereft of their breadwinners by. the disaster. A Mansion House fund has been opened for their relief. A sum of £50,000 is required. A POSSIBLE CAUSE. SEISMIC TJNREST THREATENING. . (Rec. December 24, 0.25 a.m.) Vienna, December 23. Professor Belor, director of the Laibach Observatorj', .prior to the English explosion warned the Continental miners that seismic unrest was threatening to liberate firedamp.