MINING DISASTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 November 1929, Page 7

MINING DISASTER

LINTON INQUIRY COMMISSION. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 29. A Royal Commission has been appointed by -the Government to investigate the Mount Linton Colliery disaster, in the Southland district. The members of the commission are: Mr W. H. Woodward,' S.M., Invercargill;, Mr W. Carson, mine manager, Kaitangata; and Mr John Smeaton, President of the Brunnerton Miners’ Union. i A wide order of reference has been prepared by the Minister of Mines. Mr Veitdli, who stated that he is anxious not only to ascertain the cause of the accident, which resulted in the loss of three lives and in injury to several other employees, but it is hoped to secure recommendations which will make the recurrence of such an accident impossible. The scope of the inquiry is similar to that adopted in connection with the Dobson Mine Disaster, about two years ago. The order of reference includes a specific direction to investigate the efficiency of the inspection of the mine by all or any who are responsible for such inspections. The Commission is also' directed to inquire whether or not the loss of life would have been averted or reduced if the services cf a rescue brigade had been available» immediately after the explosion.

WELSH EXPLOSION VICTIMS LONDON, November 29. An explosion occurred at the Vernbwl Colliery, near Gowertpn, in Glamorgan, in which there were 40 men. Relief parties and doctors rushed to the scene. All the forty men were rescued, except seven, who were entombed, and who later were found to be dead. Five bodies were recovered.