Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1926. DOBSON TRAGEDY

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1926, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1926. DOBSON TRAGEDY

Although there was little or no hope from the. first that there would be any survivors of the nine men concerned in the Dobson mine disaster, it is regrettable that the last survivor, Mr. Ashton, did not maintain the improvement reported on Friday evening, as his death took away the last chance of obtaining direct information of what happened at the mine during the tragic crib-time. An inquest and official enquiry will follow, and meanwhile, it is better to avoid giving publicity to allegations and theories as to the cause of the disaster, held by unnamed men, whose authority and knowledge cannot be thus estimated. Ample opportunity will be given to all those who have any testimony, to submit such, evidence at the enquiry, as this must be thorough to be satisfying. Tlie first duty, of the community, having done all that is possible for the dead, is to care for the living, and see that none of the victims’ dependents •■ ' .

is in want. Re-assuranees have been given that these women and children are in no immediate need, but that must not tempt the community to let their interest be ephemeral, or their practical sympathy be meagre. A fairly large sum may be required, and although a Government grant can be expected, and outside support be forthcoming, the contributions from the West Coast will have to be substantial to do all that is desirable. Apart from the relatives of the killed, there will be,, considerable unemployment for a period at least, arOund Dobson, and this factor must be given adequate attention. When the appeal is officially launched, it is to be hoped that the response will be enthusiastic, each doing a proportionate part, be this large or small, and not leave the duty to others. Coasters, true, have many calls on their benevolence, but the Dobson appeal has special claims. There is little to add about the disaster itself. The news, as it was telegraphed throughout the Dominion, aroused the touch of sympathy that makes the whole world kin, and it must be some comfort to the bereaved to realise that their sorrow is being shared by thousands of New Zealanders.