BRAVE MINERS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1933, Page 5

BRAVE MINERS

THEIR COURAGE COMMENDED

DESCENT INTO FOUL AIR

MELBOURNE, March 24

“To much credit cannot be given to Jack Silvev and William Sandford in risking, their lives to try to save the lives of the. other men. They showed themselves to be very brave men.” This tribute was paid by the coroner, Mr P. H. V. Elliget., at Ballarat, Victoria, in recording a verdict with a jury of seven at the inquest upon the victims of the Buninyong mining fatality—Alfred Berger, aged 68 years, ' and Arthur Dunstan, aged 34 years, on February 14. A story of unavailing attempts at rescue was told by William Sargeant, who was a partner with William Drummend and the two dead men in the venture known as the Locomotive extended mine. He stated that Dunstan was engaged in installing an air pipe in the 66ft. shaft when he was overcome by the foul air and fell heavily down the shaft. After a conversation with Sargeant regarding Dunstan’s injuries, Berger, who was also in the shaft, told Sergeant to go for assistance., Sargeant ran to the home of Jack Silvey, a miner, who lived about a mile and a half way. Silvey said that when he was first lowered Dunstan appeared to be dead. He attempted to tie a rope around B-rger's ] 'i >dy, hut he felt himself being overcome. He did not remember any more until lie revived on top. He made a second attempt to descend to the men, but lie became sick, 'and Dad himself hauled a few feet up the shaft to recover. He then went below again and did not remember being hauled up or giving any signals. Two days before the mishap Berger lrad spoken of the bad air.

William Robert Sandford related how, with the assistance of Constable McMillan, he was lowered into the shaft with towels soaked in vinegar wrapped around his face. He light he carried went out before he had reached the bottom of tile shaft, but in the darkness lie attached Berger’s body to the rone and they were hauled to the surface. After recovering he do a ended the shaft- again about 15 minutes later an! recovered the body of .Dunstan.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony and added that Berger had met his death in going to the assistance of hi,si mate. The greatest praise was due to Jack Silvey and William Sandford for their gallant attempts to save the two men.