TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN THE WOODSTOCK MINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10414, 12 April 1897, Page 5

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN THE WOODSTOCK MINE.

A MINER KILLED BY AN EXPLOSION. [BI TKLEQRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Paeroa. Saturday. A shocking accident occurred at the Woodetock Gold Mining Company's mine to-day, us tho result of which a young man named Patrick Wall, about 20 years of age, was so terribly injured that he wccumbed about a couple of hours after the occurrence. Ib appears that deceased was working with another man named Phelan in a stope at the back of No. 3 level, whilst about 20 or 25 feet further on two other miners were working at another face. Both parties had simultaneously charged holes in their respective works, and having fired them thoy retired to a safe place till the explosion occurred. Wall, however, seemed to be under the impression that he had not spitted hie fuse effectively, and after one charge had gone off he waited some time for |his to explode, but ns there seemed to be a great delay he said to hU mate that he had not spitted the charge, but would then go and do so. He then proceeded to curry his intention into effect, but apparently ju3C as bo reached the face an explosion took place, the full force of which the poor fellow receivod in the face and cheat.

A rescue party was immediately forthcoming, and the unfortunate young man was conveyed to Mr. Bunyard'e Hotel, whilst the medical sorvices of both Dr. Forbes and Dr. Buckby, of Paeroa, were promptly called, into requisition. Both gentlemon, however, agreud upon examination that nothing could bo done for him, as tho face was shockingly mutilated, one eye being blown out, whilst both arms were reduced almo?t to a pulp. A stone had also entered the chost and passed into the left lung. The poor fellow consequently only lasted about two hours after the occurrence, and he pnseed away about two o'clock this afternoon, after having suffered intense ngony. Tho sad occurrence was simply an accident caused by over eagarness to get the work done. Deceased, it may be mentioned, was working on (Jochrane'e contract for sloping. An inquest will be held to morrow, after which the remains of deceased will be taken to Thames for interment. Tho affair had cast quite a gloom over the community, the younij follow being very steady and generally liked by his tnauy acquaintances.