HEROIC WORKERS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1944, 30 December 1913, Page 7

HEROIC WORKERS.

A SENSATIONAL TRAGEDY,

• That the type of man who will facedeath to savo, his mate is pretty mimojous was trebly proved, at French's Forest near Brookvale, New South Wales, last week. Thero was enacted a tragedy sensational, pathetic, and full of warning. Three workmen, Edward Massie, Thos. O'Sullivan, and Martin M'Namara, were engaged in blasting operations at the Kooringa brick works. A charge had heen exploded in a trial shaft and Massio was about to descend to sco if the work, had been effectively done. O'Sullivan _ and M'Namara thought that the air in the shaft was foul, and advised Massie to postpone his desccnt. Massie took the advice of his mates and waited a while. 110 then ventured on the inspection. ■ From below ho called out that all was right and told his mates to bring him a charge of raekarock. The.y went on the errand, but on returning, found Massio lying unconscious in 'tfio shaft's bottom. O'Sullivan nromptly doscendcd to save his mate, but was himself overcome by the poisonous fumes on his arrival. M'Namara. the remaining man of the trio, realising the plight of his fellow workmen, shouted loudly for help-and then, taking a long breath, made tiio perilous journey downwards himself to try to effect a double rescue. Like the others lie was overcomo by the gases and tho Iffree men lay as though dead. In answer to M'Namara's shout other workmen came pell-mell upon the scene. A third man, Turner, soon discovered Tiimself. ■ He refused to bear talk of danger, insisted upon being lowered, arid Jipon reaching tho bottom worked With great rapidity. Ropes were tied bv Turner to each of the three limp figures and tlioy were quickly hauled to the top. He then himself made the ascent, but collapsed on reaching tho surface. The fumes had been gradually clearing, however, arid Turner soon recovered.■ Massio, O'Sullivan, and M'Namara-were taken to the Manly Cottage Hospital. Nothing could bo done for Massie—he, was quite ' dead. O'Sullivan. and M'Namara booh came round with treatment.