MINE INSPECTED FORTNIGHT AGO

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 3 December 1926, Page 9

MINE INSPECTED FORTNIGHT AGO

NO' DEFECTS REPORTED. OHRISTOHURCH, Dec. 3. On receiptr of tho news oi the Dobson disaster, the local directors of the Grey Valley Colleries, Ltd., the company owning the mine, held a meeting and ■at the conclusion a statement was issued to the effect that the mine vas inspected a fortnight ago by the chief inspector of mines and the .ooal inspectors, no defects being reported to the directorate. The directors have no idea whatever as to how the explosion could have occurred, or as to any contingent factors. The news has come a very great- shock to them.

HOPES OF RESCUE ABANDONED. SECOND RESCUE PARTY FAILS 1 PROPOSAL TO SEAL THE MINE. GREIYMO'UTH, Dec. 3. The scene tat the mine mouth was full of pathos, where groups of women land men watched and waited. Dr. Violet Reins and Dr. Meßrearty were early on the scene and did all possible i for the rescued men. i Further explosions are possible and warnings were- given to Lite large crowd which assembled. Another party of rescuers, under the charge of Mr. D. J. Davis, inspector of mines, descended undaunted by the frightful risk. After half an hour

they returned with the news of failure to reach the entombed men. It is proposed now to seal the mine, in order to put out the fire, as tall hope of rescue has been abandoned. MINE TO BE SEALED. GREYMOUTH, Dec. 3. At a meeting of district mine managers and Miners’ Union representatives, it was unanimously decided that it was unwise to continue rescue attempts, owing to the great risk inclined, and also the practically certainty that the entombed men are dead. It was decided to seal the mine to extinguish the fire.