Miners Trapped

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XV, Issue 102, 1 April 1925, Page 5

Miners Trapped

A Northumberland Disaster INRUSH OF WATER. LITTLE HOPE FOR 38 MEN. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Received 1,11.10 a.m.) London, Mar. 31. Thirty-eight men are missing in Scots Wood pit disaster. Twenty-six of these are married. The situation underground has become worse owing to black damp. The water is increasing in volume." Rescue operation.* are proceeding strenuously, though hope has been practically abandoned. There were intensely moving scenes at the pithead, where all night long there were crowds of women and grimfaced men acquainted with the workings of the pit vainly awaiting an opportunity to take part in the rescue work, meantime joining in prayers conducted by clergymen of all denominations throughout the township. Sympathetic references to the disaster were made in the House of Commons, which unanimously decided to give precedence to a private motion on mining 1 accidents to-night. A Labour momer asked the Speaker to invite the I House to express sympathy with the relatives of the victims as it did recently with Lord Curzon’s relatives. •The Speaker replied that he was convinced the whole House sympathised with the suggestion.—-(A. and N.Z.) R ESC U ERS DRI A" EN BA CK. AN ANXIOUS VIGIL. London. March 30. A large number of miners were trapped in the Montagu pit at Scots Wood, near Newcastle, owing to an inflow of water due to holing through. Nearly 300 men were below at the ! time, but ail but 33 escaped. A rescue party which descended to erect a canvas door for the purpose of diverting foul air was .compelled to retire. Entombed men were seen to be [ clutching a projecting ridge near the roof. The rescuers were withdrawn at midnight. The opinion is expressed that only a miracle 'can save the entombed men. The , volume of water is stated to be increasing rapidly in parts of the pit. Anxious thousands are keeping a vigil at the pit mouth in the hope that rescue work will be resumed.— (Reuter.)