WAIHI MISHAP.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 9

WAIHI MISHAP.

DIFFICULT RESCUE WORK. TRIBUTE TO DOCTORS. [THE PEBBS SfecUl Serrles] AUCKLAND, July 27. ' The work of rescue after the mine accident at Waihi was referred to in an interview by the mine manager, Mr J. Gilmour, who said that it was a difficult job. Stage boards were obtained from No. 4 shaft, and Drs. E. H. Bridgman and L. R. Hetherington went down No. 4 shaft and were waiting for the injured men to be released. A rigger and a number of shaft repairers constructed tackle. The injured were then lifted carefully through an aperture made in the cage and were placed in a "bosun's" chair irnd lowered to No. 13 level, where the two doctors applied splints. The victims were then handed over to stretcher bearers to be removed to the surface.

Considerable difficulty was experienced in liberating William Taylor, who had both his legs broken. . He could have been removed from the cage, but the rescuers were anxious to relieve him ol as much pain as possible. The difficulty was solved by Dr. Bridgman, who climbed up the ladder and, with the assistance of the shaftsman, applied splints to both the injured man's legs. He was then carefully removed. Mr Gilmour paid a high tribute to Dr. Bridgman's action, and the miners considered that he performed a remarkable and plucky feat for a man inexperienced in mining life. , iU Mr Gilmour also referred to the splendid work of the men who took part in the rescue. Referring to the cause of the accident, Mr Gilmour said that everything was at a standstill until the Mines Department's inspector had examined the equipment. About 25 men will be unemployed until the shaft is in working order again. The appliances at No. 2 shaft were steam driven. The engine driver, H. Mills, had told him that the clutch which held the loose drum had come out and that he heard it clicking as the cage passed No. 5 level. He applied the brakes, and then he did not know exactly what happened. The speed of the drum round which the hawser was connected with the cage accelerated and became so great that the brake was unable to bold the cage. The hawser ran out and fell down the shaft. It was not clear what caused the downward rush oi the cage to slacken and finally come to a halt. The cage probably tore the guides away and then it might have become jammed in the shaft timber.