Mine Stoppings Found Normal

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31275, 23 January 1967, Page 1

Mine Stoppings Found Normal

(From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, January 22. A check on the temporary stoppings erected to contain the fire which broke but in the Green’s No. 2 rise on Friday showed them to be perfectly normal, said the Chief Inspector of Mines, (Mr R. Marshall) to night.

Mr Marshall and other officials went to the Strongman mine at 5 p.m. to check the stoppings on the section in which 19 miners lost their lives on Thursday. Mr Marshall said the workmen’s check inspectors were perfectly satisfied with the findings, and work would begin at 6 a.m. tomorrow on the building of more durable fireresistant blocks. He estimated this would be completed in three days. Until then the mine would not be used.

Yesterday morning the work involved was explained to a mass meeting of the Runanga State Miners’ Union and a call was made for 80 volunteers to work the three daily shifts until the new stoppings were completed.

Between 300 and 400 miners attended the meeting, and though the dangers still possible were emphasised, every man volunteered.

Report To Cabinet (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 22. The Minister of Mines (Mr Shand) will give an oral report on Tuesday to the Cabinet on the Strongman mine disaster. On his arrival in Wellington late today after attending the funeral services in Greymouth, Mr Shand said he was still unable to indicate when a commission of inquiry might be set up, but ruled out the coming week as a possible time. ,