ENGLISH MINING DISASTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 219, 24 December 1910, Page 5

ENGLISH MINING DISASTER

THE RESCUE OPERATIONS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, December 22. Rescue efforts at the Pretoria mine continued throughout the night, but the men found it impossible to penetrate far into the workings, owing to the fumes and : a heavy fall of rock. Many bodies were blown to pieces. Women and girls passed the night at the pithead. The British Association visited the mine during its last congress because it is one of the best equipped in Lancashire. The management could have secured the coal at threepence per ton cheaper by means of explosives, but substituted hydraulic machinery to lessen the risk. The Mayor of Bolton has opened a relief fund. President Fallieres has telegraphed his condolences. HUNDREDS LOSE THEIR BREADWINNERS. MANSION HOUSE EUND OPENED. Received 23, 9.40 pan. London, December 23. The only survivor is a boy, who dashed into the tunnel immediately the explosion occurred. He was rescued by the Arley men. A hundred and fifty bodies were found, but heavy rains impede their removal. Twelve hundred and fifty women and children are bereft of bread-winners. A Mansion House fund has been opened, and £90,000 is required.

A POSSIBLE EXPLANATION. Received 24, 12.57 a.m. Vienna, -December 23. Professor Belor, director of the Laibach Observatory, prior to the English explosion, warned. Continental miners that seismic unrest was threatening to liberate firedamp.