BENDIGO MINE ACCIDENT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1909, Page 7

BENDIGO MINE ACCIDENT.

DAVIS AWARDED EDWARD MEDAL. By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. LONDON,, 27th November. , The King bas awarded the first-class Edward Medal to Joseph Davis for conspicuous bravery in rescuing a comrade in, a mine at Bendigo on 16th July. In the Gazette announcing the award appears the commentary : " The action was an exceptionally brave one, as Davis knew an explosion was imminent."

Dayis's courage and devotion on the occasion in question have not been excelled even in mining annals. Davis and two other miners — Darcy and Allen — were engaged in sinking a shaft. Two shots were put in, and the men ascended to the plat above. As Allen reached the plat he missed his footing and fell to the bottom. ! Instantly Davis rushed down the ladder, despite the fact that the charges were due to explode at any moment. He found Allen, and had dragged him about five feet when the first charge exploded. The debris, however, carried in an opposite direction. Davis then endeavoured to get Allen into a safe place before the second charge exploded, when the explosion took place. When relief was sent down both men were found alive. Allen had a broken leg, but both were unhurt by the blast. The Edward Medal was instituted by the King in October, 1907, for rewarding those who endanger their own lives in saving, or attempting to save, the lives of others from perils in mines or quarries within the British dominions. There are two classes, the first of silver and the second ot bronze, and the awards aro only made on the recommendation of the Home Secretary.