MISHAP IN MINE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1933, Page 5

MISHAP IN MINE

TWELVE INJURED

WHEN CAGE DROPS 1350 FEET.

(Per Press Association—Copyright). • . ; WAlfir, July 26. Twelve men- luid a remarkable escape from death when the cage broke away ns the men were being lowered down to No. 2 shaft, ' at the Waifii Gold Mining Company’s mine this afternoon. y The cage, with its • living' freight just after the lowering'started, broke away as the result of the clutch com-, mg away from the j ehgihe, and it shot down with a terrific velocity for a, distance, of 1,350 feet.. ' There however, the cage was suddenly arrested between the No; 12 and No. 13 levels by a twelve by two hard-, wood beam. ' ' .

There were, injuries, which, were fortunately . confined.. to' the. legs of the men, being clue to the sudden jolt when the cage came t° a stop. The most seriously injured men were the following William -.Taylor, both legs broken; Sain Hamilton, fractured ankle and a splintered shin ; ‘ten Coward, broken leg ; Jack Gordon, broken log. The eight others were not so seriously injured. >' - „ a.

Harry aiitj . Fred Cqrncs,,. Herbert Bitfler and J. Chamberlain, who .weroi-at-'difforeiit levels as the cage rushed past, saw a biurr..and .a crowd of sparks. . . Tile whining and booming noise of the runaway cage was. heard half a mile away) - Hundreds of people .remained at the shaft head for two hours'.ag the injured men were brought up singly in the cage.