A MINING DISASTER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2289, 7 September 1908, Page 2

A MINING DISASTER.

HUGE MASS OF EARTH FALLS.

SEVEN MEN BURIED

PITIFUL SCENES AT THE PIT. Y?

United Press Association, Copi right (Received (September 7. 1.20 a.m.) s BRISBANE. Sept. 6. A shocking* disaster occurred at Mount Morgan mine on Saturday exening, resulting in the death-of seven men, respectively named Leishmaii, Shepherd, Guthrie, Jory, Hillyard, Gerrke, and Ryan, employees at the mine.

The men xvere xvorkiug at the “850 feet level xvhen suddenly, xvithout any warning, an immense mass of earth and rock, estimated at 3000 tons, broke.axvay, filliug the level and burying the seven men.

Though it was recognised that tho position was practically hopeless, work in the mine was stopped and rescue operations started. This was continued throughout the night and to-day, and was attended with great dinger, owing to further debris falling. 'l'lie last body was recovered tonight, all being terribly mutilated. A great crowd surrounded tho shaft head of tho mine, and there wore many pitiful scenes. Five of those who were killed were married. Just prior to the collapse, a man met with an. accident and a companion accompanied him out of the fatal level. Guthrie descended and took the injured man’s place. The nian who escorted his injured companion out, and who was returning to work with two others, had a narrow escape. They were standing just outside the disturbed area when it collapsed.