WHITEHAVEN COLLIERY DISASTER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13740, 23 May 1910, Page 9

WHITEHAVEN COLLIERY DISASTER.

The Rev. T. N." Griffin, of Greymouth, a native of Whitehaven, in Cumberland, writes as follows: —

The Wellington Pit disaster at Whitehaven is one which, by its very tragic termination to 137 lives, leaving upwards of 80 or 90 widows and 250 fatherless children, has plunged that little town into deepest mourning, and aroused sympathetic interest throughoat tho whole Empire. The universal wave of sympathy was evidenced tho other evening at jVestport, at the' conclusion of the citizens' meeting.to arrange for the Royal memorial service. A gentleman referred to the disaster, and moved a vote of practical sympathy, which was endorsed by the large number present, many speaking in its support and offering "help. . I was but a passing visitor, but as a of Whitehaven, I could not refrain from expressing, on behalf of my native townsmen, heartiest appreciation of such an expression of deep and kindly feeling, at.such a distance away. TJie scone of the disaster is one well known to mc. In my youthful days it was the pit from which all the coal came for consumption in the homes of the town. The coal of the other leading mine, Wilh'am Pit, being exclusively used for purposes of export. I have often been at the mouth of the pit, purchasing coal, and again and again have seen the miners, or colliers, they were called, leave or enter the cages used for taking them to tho great depths below. This pit is on the south side of the town, on the coast, about 150 feet above the sea. Its work is mainly at a great distance under the sea, and, consequently, at great depths. ' It was here, in this environment, that these. brave men lost their lives. This is by far the most appalling disaster which has occurred in the district. Loss of life, as seems inevitable in such a calling and under such circumstances, has taken place before. These losses have now been shrunk into insignificance" by the present calamity. The whole town must be plunged into deepest distress. The wail of the widow and the fatherless, and- the bereaved generally, must be heard through all the town. The population of Whitehaven is about 20,000. There has been little change during the last fifty years. Shipbuilding, so flourishing during most of the last centuryy has passed away. Potteries also, at one time in active operation, and giving work to many, are a memory of tho past. Iron-smelt-ing along the north coast has in recent years developed considerably, and promises to be a permanent and important industry. Coalmining is,' however, the staple trade of the town, employing, in William, Wellington, and Croft pits, many hundreds of men, and bringing to tho port the many steamers engaged in carrying the coal to distant parts. There is little doubt the recent fire and serious loss of life will greatly affect the town's commercial life for some time. The perilous calling will also lie more dreaded than ever, and difficulty may be experienced in getting suitable men to take up tho work of the victims of the fire. At.the best the earnings of the colliers are little moro than a living wage. Blank poverty will undoubtedly face the widows and most of the bereaved. Most certainly tho need will bo great for the benefactions of sympathisers far and wide. Happily, such are coming into evidence every day. . The example of Queen Alexandra, of Lord Lonsdale. and of Mr Carnegie, is sure to be followed in degree in various parts of the Empire. Our own Dominion, led by the miners of the West Coast, is certain to proffer its generous aid. Thus, while tho loss to the bereaved ones will be irreparable, yet much will be done to. ease the-burden and comfort the mourner.