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Lake County Press, Issue 702, 2 April 1896, Page 7

There were 67 men in the mine when the explosion occurred, and shortly after smoke was seen issuing from the mouth of the pit. How the firedamp accumulated so quickly seems to be rather a puzzle, but many hold the opinion that the recent heavy floods filled the Coalpit Heath mine and forced the accumulated gas into the Brunner mine, both being connected. Shortly after the sad news went round the mouth of the pit was crowded by men, women, and children, anxiously watching for a siarht of their dear Ones. Coalminers from the immediate vicinity and West Coast generally set at work at once to recover the victims, but they were much hindered by bad air, and could only work shifts of 10 minutes at times. jChe victims were not reached till Saturday, wte? >t was found, as it was fully anticiEaW, all were dead. A great many of the oasis were mutilated, some entirely beyond recognition, and were only identified by the clothing or seme distinguishing mark. The body of Kent is the only one not recovered yet, and it is supposed to he buried under a fall of stone, and 20 feet of driving is expected before the body can be reached. From the appearance of the bodies it is evident that some were killed outright by the shock of the explosion, while others were suffocated by choke damp. The dead were found in all kinds of positions : some in holes and crevices in the rock and coal; others with their coats on and their tea cans in their hands ; some with their picks at the face. It is evident that after the explosion some had made a rush to get out, but were overtaken by the gas and suffocated. One man was found with his head wrapped in a bag ; another had his whole body wrapped in canvas j latter also much mutilated. Some bodies were completely naked : others only half clad. Several horses were killed and disembowelled, and the stench arising was sickening. The funerals took place on Sunday. Some six were buried in the Grey Cemetery and 50 in the Stillwater Cemetery, 33 of them being placed in one grave, over which a national monument will be erected. The sight of 33 coffins ranged alongside was something never to be forgotten, and combined with the sad scenes of weeping widows and children, some broken-hearted, others almost violent with their grief, the scene was a most sad one which caused strong men to break down. One young woman, Miss Baxter, whose father was killed, was in a faint for two hours, and at first she was thought to be dead. The funerals were followed by about 4000, and ministers of all denominations officiated. men and children are left destitute, but relief funds havo been opened all over New Zealand, and ready response is being made. Every mother should know that croup can be prevented. The first symptoms of true croup is hoarseness. This is followed by a £eculiar rough cough. If Chamberlain s ough Remedy is given freely as soon as the child becomes hoarse or even after the cough has developed it will prevent the attack. For sale by Robert Pritchard.