LINTON MINE TRAGEDY

Northern Advocate, 18 November 1929, Page 6

LINTON MINE TRAGEDY

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

HEROIC ACTS PERFORMED

FATHER’S GALLANT RESCUE

ONE MAN A LIVING TORCH,

(Per Press Association. —Copyright.) INVERCARGILL, This Day,

There were heroic acts at the Linton mine disaster which only came to light later. In one instance, a father rushed into the heart of the smoke and dust, and came back crawling along the trolley track with his son on his back—a feat of strength and will. Some of the men rescued were speechless, but joined in the task. of saving others before they had properly recovered.

Outside the mine, snow and sleet were falling which added to the torture of burns as soon as the victims were brought out.

Chamberlain, whose condition is very serious, was a living torch when found, his shirt and other garments blazing freely. McCoy had only just left Ross .to obtain a drill, when the latter was killed on the spot.

The explosion occurred half way along the shaft, and so cut off the men at the rear, who had to gropo their way through dust and fumes.

(Per Press Association. —Copyright.) WANGANUI, This Day,

The Hon. W. A. Vcitch, referring to the Linton colliery disaster, stated that after the inquest was completed, he proposed, irrespective of the finding, to recommend Cabinet to set up :i Royal Commission, in terms of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1908, in order to ascertain the cause of the disaster. .

The Commission would inquire fully the circumstances surrounding the accident and make any recommendations considered necessary to prevent recurrence.