RESCUE STATION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 April 1926, Page 3

RESCUE STATION.

TO COST £20,000. ' FOUNDATION STONES LAID. The' two foundation stones of the first mines rescue station to be erected in the southern hemisphere were laid at Abermain a few days ago. The station is to serve 40 collieries on the South Maitland coalfields and Greta district. In the near future it is proposed to’ erect another station at Cockle Creek to serve the collieries in the Newcastle district. The ceremonies were prformd by Mr Baddeley, Minister for Mines and Labour and Industry, and Mr C. McDonald, secretary of the Northern Colliery Proprietors’ Association.

Mr R. A. Ilarle, managing director of Ilebburn, Ltd., who presided, said the ceremony about to be performed was unique in the history of Australia. The Government had decided that rescue stations should be built, in the nortlr, south and west. It was to the credit of the northern coal owners that, through tlie instrumentality of Mr McDonald, a contract for that station was let on December 24, 1925, seven days before the Act came into operation. The station would cost £20,000 to build and equip. The station is being erected a short distance from the Abermain No. 1 colliery, on a block 494 ft by 350 ft. Tlie administrative block contains offices, lecture, apparatus, dressing, changing and store rooms. Provision is made for a large garage to accommodate a big rescue ear and two small cars. There will also be six cottages erected for tlie staff.