MINING DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 600, 23 November 1909, Page 2

MINING DISASTER.

SEVENTY-EIGHT MEN RESCUED.

TOUCHING SCENES. /"■'

New York, Nov. 21.

Rescuers at the Cherry mine yesterday demolished the wall of debris and found 78 men alive, 67 in one section and eleven in another.

The news spread like lightning, and crowds of women fought in their eagerness to reach the pit’s mouth.

The rescued include William Cleland, brother to one of the rescuers, who brought him to the surface without recognising him. When the survivors first reached the surface it was thought they were dead, but one raised his hand and the rest were found to be breathing. All hurried to_ the shaft and stimulants were administered. Some faces'were black with smoke and slightly scorched., Their safety was due to walling themselves in.

Joseph Crescini, leader of the fight against death, states that acting under an English comrade’s advice, the men's food was collected and short rations served. They lived part of the time on mule meat.

Reuter says there were many touching scenes at the pit’s mouth. The wife of one of the Italians rescued kissed his rescuer’s feet and then made her children do likewise.

There was a thrill of excitement when half of the rescues were effected. Another alarm of fire £ was given and the work of rescue was temporarily stopped. A score of fresh volunteers extinguished the flames.