MARKHAM TRAGEDY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 May 1938, Page 8

MARKHAM TRAGEDY

STATEMENT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS PROMISE OF IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION. SYMPATHY FOR BEREAVED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. (Recd This Day, 11.35 a.m.) RUGBY, May 10. A statement on the Markham Colliery disaster was made in the House of Commons by the Parliamentary Secretary for Mines (Captain H. F. C. Crookshank) who said the explosion' occurred in the vicinity of the coal face shortly before six o’clock, when the night shift was leaving the mine. Mr Crookshank added that an investigation into the cause of the disaster would proceed with all speed. The House would join with him in expressing deep sympathy with the families and friends of those who had so tragically lost their lives. Mr J. Batey, associating the Opposition with the Minister’s sympathy, suggested that when the public inquiry took place, some independent person should be invited to preside. Mr Crookshank noted the suggested. The disaster, in which there was a death roll of 72, is reported on Page 7. PITHEAD SERVICE. WOMEN WHO WAITED IN VAIN. (Recd This Day, 12.55 p.m.) LONDON, May 10. With 45 of the 72 dead still entombed in the galleries of the Markham colliery, the Bishop of Derby tonight held a service at the pithead. Some women and children had been at the pithead for twelve hours, hoping against hope. Among the dead are a father and three sons.' Some of those rescued had not remembered anything after the explosion. Others were so dazed that they did not remember their names. MORE DEATHS. TOTAL RAISED TO 79. (Recd This Day, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 10. The Markham death roll is 79.