COLLIERY DISASTER
" NOBODY REMAINS ALIVE." STRICKEN WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received May 16, 5.5 p.m. London, May 15. Of the 133 victims of the Wellington colliery disaster 88 are married. There are 250 orphans. One family of eight was wiped out. The Chief Inspector of Mines to-day declared that nobody remained alive. He adds that any attempt to penetrate the sealed workings would involve the loss of the rescuers. Mr. Winston Churchill thereupon telegraphed: "Oannot sanction reopening." The- stricken inhabitants are now more resigned and silently acquiesce in the inevitable. King George sent a message saying he was deeply grieved at the terrible catastrophe, and shares the heartfelt sorrow of the wives and families of the men. The Mayor's relief fund exceeds £2OOO. EXPERT RESCUERS FAIL. LATEST APPARATUS INEFFECTIVE. OVERSTRUNG PEOPLE RUSH GATES Received May 15, 5.5 p.m. London, May 14. A special rescue party from Newcastle, Tankerley, and 1 Sheffield, using safety apparatus, approached to within one hundred and thirty yards of the fire, but the dense beat made the metal helmets unbearable. The rescuers wore the latest "Meco" apparatus with oxygen- supplies and regulators. They could have penetrated further but for the extreme 'heat and the dansrer of further explosions. They were unable, owing to smoke, to see their electric torches.
Experts stated it was impossible that any of the entombed men could remain alive.
It will probably be two months before the workings are" unsealed. Believing that the rescuers bad abandoned their 'attempts, two thousand people, including many women, held an inflammatory meeting. In consequence of an unfounded statement that the pit was being reopened, a rush was made for the gates, the police frustrating .the people. with great difficulty.
QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S SYMPATHY.
Received May 16, 0.30 a.m. London, May 15.
Queen Alexandra, in telegraphing a hundred pounds isterJing to the Wellington pit fund, says: "In my crashing grief I am not insensible to that of others. My heart bleeds for the bereaved widows ana members of families of the' poor men who have lost their lives." ,
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 390, 16 May 1910, Page 5
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343COLLIERY DISASTER Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 390, 16 May 1910, Page 5
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