COLLIERY DISASTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1923, Page 1

COLLIERY DISASTER.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. HEROIC DEEDS. EAGER TO FACE DEATH. SYDNEY, Sept. 3. As soon as tho news of the explosion spread, hundreds of miners who had just come off shift volunteered for roscuc work, so eager were they to assist the entombed men. A strong body of police was compelled to keep back tho crowd until a system of rescuing, parties had been arranged. Brown and five other miners and managers were among the first to enter. At great risk they made tho best possible examination of the damaged works, and wore thus enabled to organise the rescue work and thereby prevented many running unnecessary danger. After three journeys into the pit Brown, in company with Marshall, the Manager of the Abermain Pit, went to the very heart of tho mine in an attempt to save tho man whose position was known. It was on this mission that he so heroically sacrificed his life. Brown was a heavy man and Marshall dragged him until ho himself was almost overcome, but lie managed to crawl to the tunnel where he was picked up and sent to the hospital in a serious eonsidition.

The actual cause of the explosion has not been ascertained, but tlie blackened facs of the victims indicated that they were suffocated by tho fumes. Until tho actual sources of the disaster have been explored the experts decline to express any definite opinion. Bellbird coal, supposedly does not ignite spontaneously. At least, that is tho experience of those working in the mine, but tho coal itself is of a, highly inflammable nature. Mr Angus, manager of the colliery, expresses the opinion that one ot the most probable explanations lies in the possible lighting of the fire accidentally, perhaps, through a match being thrown down.

Rescue work was rendered exceptionally difficult owing to the recurrent explosions and the badly damaged workings. In spite of this unlimited numbers of men were anxious to push iorward to face death and in the end had to he restrained. Miners and men alike from all parts of the district eagerly and unreservedly offered themselves. One miner. MeClusky is specially mentioned. He entered again and again and penetrated as far as was humanely possible and brought out nine men. . Pitiable scenes were witnessed around the pit whore there were great crowds, including many women and children. Most of tho victims were married.

MOTION OF SYMPATHY. SYDNEY, Aug. 3. A mass meeting of miners adopted a resolution, viewing with horror the appalling disaster at the Bellbird colliery, and extending their heaitfelt sympathy with the dependents ot their late comrades. It was also resolutiohed in appreciation of the noble manner in which the rescuing parties performed their dut’ri,o meeting also recommended to the lodges that the miners ot the district give their first- day’s profits to assist the dependents ot the victims.