THE KAITANGATA CATASTROPHE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 905, 11 March 1879, Page 2

THE KAITANGATA CATASTROPHE.

Kaitasgatx, March 10. The inquest on the Kaitangata colliery disaster was resumed to-day, before Mr. E. H. Carew, Coroner, when several witnesses were examined as to the working of the mine. The Coroner briefly addressed the jury. He explained that if they found that the mine liad been improperly worked by Hodge, or that it was his duty to have made other provision in regard to ventilation, then they would find that he was

guilty of such negligence as amounted to manslaughter. He quoted from Russell on Crimes to the effect that it was no defence for one who was negligent to. say that another was negligent also, and therefore, even though Archibald Hodge had gone rashly into the old workings with a naked light, that would not exculpate the manager. After, a retirement of 45 minutes, the jury agreed to the following verdict:— " First, that Archibald Hodge, by entering the old workings with a naked light, caused the explosion and the death of 34 men and boys. Seiond, that William Hodge did not take the necessary precautions in the management of the mine." They added a rider to the effect " that, seeing there is no law for inspection and supervision in the conduct of mining, we express the necessity of measures being adopted whereby mining accidents in future may be averted." A verdict on the two bodies last found was returned to the same effect.