INQUIRY AT EARLY DATE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20920, 27 September 1939, Page 9

INQUIRY AT EARLY DATE

MINISTER’S ASSURANCE MEN’S BRAVERY PRAISED (Special to Times) HUNTLY, Tuesday “ It is evident to me that many of those 11 brave men gave their lives in trying to rescue their mates,” said the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Mines, yesterday in announcing that an inquiry into the causes of the Glen Afton mine disaster would be held at the earliest possible date. The Minister said it would be premature to make any statement concerning the causes of the recent tragedy, because those who were in a position to give an account of it were the victims. It was desirable to remember that all were highly skilled and expert men, and he felt confident that, no matter what precautions were taken, this unfortunate thing was likely to happen because of the human impulse of going to the assistance of fellow workers, so strongly implanted

It was desirable to remember that all were highly skilled and expert men, and he felt confident that, no matter what precautions were taken, this unfortunate thing was likely to happen because of the human impulse of going to the assistance of fellow workers, so strongly implanted was it in the minds of miners. The happening last Sunday brought forward some of the most heroic expressions of that impulse. Mr Webb said dangers were inseparable from mines, and thus every possible precaution should be taken.