THE MANGAHAO TRAGEDY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2451, 8 July 1922, Page 3

THE MANGAHAO TRAGEDY

_ QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE, life reported that an inspector ' of the Mines Department visited Mangah'ao after the recent tunnel disaster, consequently Mr Wilford suggested to the Minister for Public Works that the report from this official might be supplied to Parliament, as it .would be valuable coming from an expert skilled in mining matters. Hon, J. G. Coates replied that an officer of the Mines Department had been to Mangahao to inspect the . tunnel and no - doubt bis evidence would'be given at the inquest'when every possible pifece of information would be made available with a view to securing that there be no possibility of a similar-,accident happening again. It wduld be better to wait the Coroner’s verdict before ' ■publishing the mines officer’s report. Mr Wilford suggested- that the Coronei , ’s verdict was not of value in the Huntlv disaster. Mr .Coates replied that after the inquest he would see if further inquiry was necessary with a view to preventing - the possibility of a repetition. 'He wished to correct an impression he might have previous- „ ly conveyed that the Public Works _f ~ J Departmept did not comply with the mining regulations. They followed the regulations, the only exception being that there was no inspection by the Mines Department officers as the Works Department officers took the responsibility.