MINE DISASTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1925, Page 3

MINE DISASTER.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION •LONDON", -March 31. A large miinhcr of miners were trapped in the Montagu pits at Scotland, near Newcastle, owing to an inflow of water doe to a holing through nearby. There were three hundred men below at the time, hut all but 33 escaped. A rescue party which descended, to erect a canvas door for the purpose of diverting foul air, was compelled to retire. Kn tombed men were seen to he clutching to a projected ridge near the roof. Little hope is entertained for nine of the men, but there is a possibility that the remainder are in a sheltered place and may he saved. LONDON, -March 30. The rescuers at the Montagu mine tvere withdrawn at midnight. The opinion is now expressed that only a miracle can save the entombed men. The volume of water is stated to I>. increasing rapidly in parts of the pit. Anxious thousands are keeping vigil at the pit month in the hope that rescue work will he resumed. 3* MMX MISSiN'O. (Received this day at 11.2.3 a.m.) LONDON, March 31. Thirty-eight men are missing in the Scotswood pit disaster. Twenty-six of these are married. The situation underground lias become worse owing to black damp, while water is increasing in volume. Rescue operations are proceeding strenuously, though hope lias been practically abandoned. There were intensely moving scenes at the pithead all night long crowds of women and grim, faced men acquainted with the working of the pit vainly awaiting an opportunity of rescue work, meantime joining prayers conducted by clergymen of all denominations throughout the township. Sympathetic reference to the disaster was made in the House of Commons which unanimously decided to give precedence to a private motion to-night. A Labourite asked the Speaker to invite the Commons to express sympathy with the relatives of victims similarly with the recent expression of sympathy with Lord Cur yam’s relatives. The Speaker replied that he was convinced the whole Mouse svinathised with the suggestion.

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