ROTOWARO FATALITIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 960, 1 May 1930, Page 16

ROTOWARO FATALITIES

VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH MINE IN SAFE ORDER From Our Own Correspondent HUNTLY, Today. Before Mr. Fred Harris, coroner, and a jury of which Mr. Joseph Weaver was chosen as foreman, the coronial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Messrs. John William Yates anti Thomas Hart, who lost their lives in the Taupiri Coal Company’s mine at Rotowaro on Monday, was concluded last evening. The finding was that the deceased lost their lives by accident through a fall of fire-clay from the roof, and that the evidence tended to show that the part was in perfectly safe order. The valiant rescue efforts of all concerned were commended upon and no blame was attachable to any one, every precaution having been taken. Mr. C. T. Trunks represented the Taupiri Coal Company, Mr. William Barclay, Government mines inspector, the Mines Department, and Mr. R. L. Roberts the Rotowaro Jdiners’ Union. Messrs. Alex Penman (mint manager), Ralph -C. Coan (underviewer), James Boyd (deputy), Geo. Wardell (trucker), Geo. Charlton (miner) and Dr. Mackay gave evidence, the mine officials and workers all agreeing that the section where the fatalities occurred was regularly inspected, was well timbered, and that there was no indication of a subsidence of the roof. ATTENDANCE AT FUNERAL The funeral of the victims took place yesterday afternoon at the Kimihia Cemetery. There was a large attendance of mourners. All the coal companies were represented, and among those who attended was the member for the district, Mr. W. Lee Martin, M.P. The Rev. C. E. Dickens officiated at both interments. Mr. Hart was a member of the Gordon Highlanders during the Great War and the members of the Returned Soldiers' Association mustered in full force to pay their respects to their late member.