THE BRUNNER DISASTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10130, 13 May 1896, Page 5

THE BRUNNER DISASTER.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ABSOOIATI9N.]

Qrkvmooth, Tuesday. At the Commission to-day, tho miners' representatives disagreed with the theory of 'coal dust explosion, and held the opinion that the explosion started in the workings further down the dip, which could not be examined, owing to the rise of water in the mine. The press is now admitted. The evidence so far is that the mine was well managed, and that no complaint had been made. The opinion of the witnesses is that under the circumstances there whs no hope of saving the men even had there been a dozen shafts' and air ways. Mr. Bishop, mino manager, is at present being examined. Napier, Tuesday. At a general meetidg of the Brunner Belief Fund Committee, Mr. John Duthie, of Wellington, was appointed to represent Napier at the Conference of Relief Committees. The balance-sheet showed a total of £938 19s sd, subscribed in Napier, Wellington, Tuesday, A Conference convened by the Premier to discuss the Brunner Relief Fund, meets on Thursday, but an adjournment will be made until Friday. At a meeting of the Brunner Relief Fund Committee, it was reported that the sum of £3,426 had been collected m the Wellington district. The following resolution was carried" That in the opinion of this meeting, the funds collected should be first appliea for the relief of sufferers from the Brunuerton disaster; but, after such relief, if it is found there is any balance, it should he applied for mining accidents generally." Dunedin, Tuesday, At a meeting of the Brunnerton Relief Fund Committee the treasurer reported that the fund collected in punedin to date amounted to over £2845. There are several lists to come in yet. It was resolved, " That in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable to adhere to the previous resolution, namely, to leave the plan of distribution of the fund to the Municipal Conference, to meet in Wellington in July, and that the Premier be telegraphed to this effeot, and informing him that other centres approve of this, and also stating that the committee presume the meeting convened by him for next Thursday is not to be held, and asking for a reply."

The Mayor wishes to acknowledge, on behalf of the Bruonerton relief fund:— Mayor of Nowmarket, £2 6s; settlers Hakaru, Mangawai, Kaiwaka, and Pukekaroro, £1110s: Rangers Football Club, Broken Hill, New South . Wales, per 0. H. Tonkin, £319 a; Mangere Presbyterian Church, £4) Customs officers, per W. Sibbald, £4.

A GREAT hENSATION

Has been oaused through the arrival of Prossard's Cavour Cigar, a delicious, mild, and fragrant smoke. Obtainable everywhere in packets of 8 for Is. Medically recommended by leading physicians of the day.

A man named Bedlngfield i has been arrested at Mukutuku on a curious charge. He vvrato a letter to a settlor's, daughter threatening bodily violence if she did not supply him with money or tobacco, which was to be left at a certain place, A trap was laid for him, resulting in his arrest. Mr. P. G. Skeates notifies elsewhore he has disposed of his business to J. M. Sage and Co., who have also a notice to the public in this issue. A special meeting of members of the Auckland Amateur Opera Club will be held in the ante-room of the Choral Hall on Monday evening next. ' **' ' 1 '« wag Tho monthly meeting of Ara Lodge will-hei held at Freemasons'' Hall, Princes.-at|cct, : , this evening. ' * ' : ' -a L», On Ascension 1 Day there will 'bo^sp&cW- 1 services at St, Sepulchre's and at 7.30 evensong and rfcitaf of music, followed by the annual meeting of the parish j i branch of 'St/ Barnabas's Association.'- «l&Aai ' , :