THE MINING TROUBLE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9149, 19 May 1908, Page 5

THE MINING TROUBLE.

Per Press Association. Dunedin, May 18. The Green Island coal mine trouble is now over. The men held a meeting to-night, when the check inspectors made their report on their visit to the No. 1 and No. 2 mines of Messrs Christie Bros. They reported that in the old workings above No. 2 mine, where the trouble occurred, they found water to a depth of four feet, extending some three and a half chains in length and three chains in width. In regard to No. 1 mine the inspectors reported that they found water in some places twelve feet deep. They also inspected Harris’ mine, above No. 1, and found that in some abandoned workings there existed a stretch of water about five chains in length and three and a half chains in width, and the shallowest part was five feet deep. At the back end of this volume of water is Harris’ boundary, about six and a half feet thick. Mr Christie said he had about half a chain of boundary on his side. In regard to this there was danger. When the men started to work through to the pillars of wood, the waters in the abandoned working above broke through. The check inspectors emphasised that the men could return to work with safety if proper supervision were exercised by the management.

A "motion was ried in the following terms;—That the men do not return to work until Mr Christie " gives written notice that he will have all Jthe water drawn off, as stated to the check inspectors, and that no pillars will be worked to the rise ‘until such time as the water is properly drained off. ’ ’

A deputation was appointed to wait on Mr Christie, and get his signature. This .was obtained, and the men accordingly returned to work. A shift was started at midnight.