THE MILLERTON DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1927, Page 1

THE MILLERTON DISASTER

HOW THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. (“Westport News.”) For some considerable time past, the deputies employed in the Millcrton mine have been schooled in the use of apparatus especially designed for rescue and exploration work in mining areas affected by noxious gasses and only quite recently journeyed to Denniston, where exhaustive tests and practical demonstrations were given in the use of the apparatus and on Saturday last, it was decided* that the fire area, which is encompassed by concrete stopping, should he explored, with the object of ascertaining the amount of damage done by tlie fire and bow much of tbe affected area would, with a degree of safety, be reclaimed. With this object in view, Messrs Win. Pearson and Frank Duffy donned the apparatus ns a safeguard and entered the presence of smoke and black damp. All portions of the sections were visited and the men returned aim reported very favourably on the object of the visit. Messrs Win, Maher, Under-viewer, and Michael Ford, the well-known '[fuller Rugby representative, who was employed as' a Deputy, signified their intention to also visit the fire area. They were absent longer than their supply of oxygen warranted and fears were entertained for their safety.

Messrs Pearson and Cowan immediately went to the rescue, but apparently met the same fate as their mates and were caught in the deadly fumes of black damp. A'olunteers hastened to the scene of the occurrence, hut when found, the unfortunate men were beyond all human aid.