THE MINE DISASTER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10045, 16 May 1910, Page 5

THE MINE DISASTER.

133 VICTIMS.

MESSAGE PROM KING GEUUGE

UniteS Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Cops right. Received May 15, 5 p.m. LONDON, May 14,

Of one hundred and thirty three victims of the Whitehaven disaster, eighty-sight were married, and left two hundred and fifty orphans. In'one family alone eight were wiped out. The chief inspector of mines to-day declared there was nobody alive in the mine, and any attempts to penetrate the sealed [workings would involve the loss of the rescuers' lives. Mr Winston Churchill thereupon telegraphed that he could not sanction tbe re-opening of the mine.

The inhabitants are now more resigned, and silsntly acquiesce in the inevitable.

King George sent a message saying he was deeply grieved at the terrible catastrophe, and expressing his heartfelt sorrow with the wives and families of the entombed men. • The MayorYfund exceeds £2,000.

RESCUE PARTY'S EFFORTS.

DFIVEN BAt,K BY FIERCE

HEAT. Received May 15, 6.55 p.m. LONDON, May 14. A special rescue party from Newcastle, Tankerley and Sheffield, using safety apparatus, approache.l to within 130 yards of the colliery fire, but the dei.se heat mate the metal helmets unbearable. The rescuers wore the latest Meco apparatus, with oxygen and regulator. They could have penetrated lurther but for the extreme heat, and danger of further explosions. They were unable, owing to emoke, to see their electric torches.

Experts have stated that it is impossible that any of tha miners are alive. It will probably be two months befoie the workings are unsealed.

Believing the abandonment to be too hasty, some two thousand persons, including many _ women, held an inflammatory meeting.

In consequence of an unfounded statement that the pit was beirg re opened, a rush was made to the gates, and the police had great difficulty in restoring order.