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Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1927, Page 2

Another unfortunate coalmining disaster lias occurred to add to the sad list of similar events in the history of the industry. In, the present ease it would appear that the. officials who undertook tlie exploratory duty did so with a sense of the risk, hut unfortunately the precautions were without avail. They must have been, overcome hy a sudden rush of deadly gas from which it was impossible to escape. Science has much to do yet in the task of securing comparative safety from gaseous coal mines. The work is always hazardous, but particularly so whore mines are known to be gaseous. 11l such cases the danger is very present at all times. That precautions were being observed in the present instance is evidenced by the fact that no explosion occurred. There was nothing attempted of a foolhardy nature. The deputies were familiar with the possible conditions, and no undue risks were taken. This seem to hear out the u,ggestion that in the explorations some pocket of bad gas was tapped, and its release was so sudden and overpowering as to lie fatal in its effect. The lesson of the deadly experience is that precautions in such eases, cannot he too complete. The fullest negotiation and conference should first he taken men are expected to take such risks. Familiarity with underground conditions often make the men reckless. There was something of this feeling of familiarity no doubt in the minds of the men when they set about their inspection. The result is a very sad realisation of possibilities which occur all too often. The difficulty ts to check these matters, or to impose restrictions whoich will he of avail in saving valuable human lives. In this instance four breadwinners are carried swiftly to their doom. There is a sad lesson here to take to heart, with the hope that at least for a time their fellowmen will profit by it. For the rest the best that can lie done is to offer deepest sympathy to the bereaved families.