MINE TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1929, Page 5

MINE TRAGEDY

FURTHER PARTICULARS. [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] MTLLERTON, Feb'. 28. An accident occurred at the Westport Main Mine to-day, which proved fatal. A miner named James White, a native of New Zealand, was working in a six foot place, when about a ton and a-half of coal fell upon him, killing him. The deceased, who was a native of Westport, had followed the occupation of a miner for years, before enlisting in the New Zealand Forces for Samoa. He worked in the Millorton mines. He was a great quoit player, and many comrades will miss him on the quoit pitches. As far as is known, he had some relatives at Westport, who live in the Pah over the Buller Bridge, namely, Mrs HcLaren, a sister of deceased, also Bob Mahuika, who is well known in the district. A broken neck was the cause of death. He had also a leg broken. RUNAWAY LOCO. WESTPORT, (Feb. 23. A sensational accident occurred on the Westport-Stockton tramway line this afternoon. A motor engine’ with about 30 wagons attached, got out of control coming down an incline, and was travelling at about 60 miles on hour. A number of men returning from work jumped off and about 14 were more or less seriously. Injured. The engine spread over the line in the , “B” tunnel after travelling about three-quarters of a mile, and pulled up. Those who remained in the wagons were uninjured. Five of the men were brought to Westport hospital. They are Donald Hunter, chin and throat wounds (the ‘ most seriously injured) ; Thomas Nicholls (lacerated fingers, bruises and scalp wounds); Robert Campbell (scalp wounds and Ifractured collarbone); James McBean (fractured wrist and scalp wounds); Archibald Miller (lacerated fingers). No information is at present available concerning the others who were injured, but the 'fact that they aic , not being brought to the hospital suggests that their injuries are not ser- ; ious. ACCIDENT PARTICULARS. WESTPORT, March 1. In connection with the accident in the Stockton mine yesterday, it is reported the driver of the loco, Shearer, when he ifound the brake would not work and the loco was gathering speed, jumped clear. This induced 12 others to do like wise and all were more or less severely injured. Five men in hospital are reported to be progressing favourably this morning. An inquiry is being held to-day by the Inspector of Mines and Public Works Department. Only the promptness of Cook, the second man on the loco, in applying the emergency brake, saved all on board, who would have been killed. When the emergency brake was applied the loco left the line. The company is reticent until the inquiry is completed.