TERRIBLE DISASTER.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXIII, Issue 309, 12 January 1912, Page 5

TERRIBLE DISASTER.

TWO MEN FATALLY OVERCOME BY FUMES.

[press association.] THAMES, January 11

A fatality by which two men, James Williams, an elderly man, and Thos. Guy, aged 36 years, lost their lives, occurred in t!he May Queen mine today. Guy, with five other miners named Crawley, Adams, James, Vercoe and MuJchy, with G. Hervil as shift boss, were working in a stopo above No. 6 level, which for years had been immune from gas. Williams was working on a leader in another part of the mine above the same level. Adams wa.j sent for water for the drills, but soon returned shouting a warning that the gas was in the level. The miners descended the ladderway and reached the level in safety. Gas was present in great volumes, and soon one candle after another went out until 'a solitary candle, hekl by Adams, remained ignited. Soon this went out and in the dark a deadly struggle ensued to reach the chamber above and fresh air.

Several fell in the journey, but alll reached safety except Guy, Williams and Crawley. Assistance was secured and the sufferers, who were all in a state of coOlapsc, sent to the surface. Th,o throe men' named could not he found. A seairch was then mado and Crawley and Guv Tvere the first found. The former had evidently been overcome while endeavoring to rescue Guy, for lie was supporting the latter's liead.

Both were taken to the surface ami artificial means of respiration used. Crawley 'recovered sufficiently to bo taken to the hospital, but Guy died soon after lie reached the surface. A search' mean-time was being made for Williams. It was evident lie liad missed hi.s way in the darkness, for h'i was lying in the tunnel loading to tho machine. He .had a'ko received serious injury to the head. He was dead when brought to tho surface. There was a pitiful scene at the mouth of the shaft when the wives of the deceased men 'arrived.

The Coroner's enquiry lias opened and formal evidence of the identification of deceased was given.

The scene of the accident will; be inspected to-morrow, after which the enquiry will be adjourned as the evidence of several important witnesses as to what caused the inrush of gas 'ha.'; to be considered. THE STORY OF THE RESCUE. THAMES, This Day. W'ken the rescuers, Alexander and Herival, went into the level they saw the bodies of Guy and Crawley. It was evident that the Hatter had made a gallant though unsuccessful attempt to rescue Jus mate. Guy \v<as almost spent, and Crawley was in, a similar condition. Ho made a determined liold on Guy, who was lying on bis back holding the Hatter's head and shoulders up, as though endeavoring to protect him from the deadly foe that held both almost in death's grip. Alexander secured! Guy, and Heriva 1 did a similar duty to Crawley. The-, latter recovered when brought to the surface, but the former was too far spent. Tho only one then missing was Williams. Herival and Alexander again, searched the level, but could discover no trace of Wililiams .until they went iu/to the short drive leading to the magazine. Here Williams was found lying face downwards. It was evident that ho had tripped over sonic obstacle, and fallen. Had 'he gone onward, and kept to tho level (proper, his life would probably have b'ecn saved. Both! victims wero married men. Guy leaves several children.

Adams will bo able to leave tJi-o hos•pital.' Crawley, who nearly lost his life trying to save Guy, may leave to-day. Alii the rescued men are in ft weak condition.