THE FIRE IN A COAL MINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9027, 4 November 1892, Page 5

THE FIRE IN A COAL MINE.

[Br TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Brunnerton, Thursday. The fire in the Coalpit Heath mine was subdued during the night, and the fireengine obtained from Greymouth was returned this evening. The men kept the engine going from eight last night to noon to-day. As there was an abundance of hose, three branches were taken through tho Brunner mine into the Coalpit Heath, and the fire fought with foot by foot, the men having to lie down to escape suffocation. It is not known how tho fire started, but it is thought it began at the edge of the shaft, where pumping engines are stationed. These are fed by steam pipes, and it is supposed • that the fire communicated from these to the woodwork of the engine. Shortly before the outbreak, the men had oiled the three pumping engines, and everything was then safe. The damage cannot yet be estimated, bub it will be considerable. Tho manager will have the mine working again to-morrow, if the pumping engines and lino pipes up the shaft, which is 270 feet deep, are safe. The mine belongs to the Grey Valley Coal Company, having been bought by them from Mr. Joseph Taylor some years ago. The upper levels are well worked, but the dip called the Ivimborley contains a most valuable seam cf coal, practically unworked.