EXPLOSION AT BRIDGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21292, 20 September 1932, Page 10

EXPLOSION AT BRIDGE

MINE STRIKE INCIDENT LITTLE DAMAGE DONE SOUTHLAND MEN STILL IDLE [3Y TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] INVERCARGILL, Monday The coal strike at Ohai, 50 miles north-west from Invercargill, has been in progress for five, weeks, but only to-day did anything happen to disturb the calm waiting of the two sides. This was the damaging of a small bridge by explosives. A few days ago a fall at the Linton mine brought down about 150 tons, and In the interests of safety it was decided to remove this, permanent employees undertaking the work. No objection was mado by the miners' union, but early this morning- a bridge over the Morley Stream, giving communication between the Linton mine and the elevator, was damaged by an oxplosion which made it unsafe for traffic. Beyond delaying the work of clearing the slip for some hours, the explosion did not damage the bridge extensively. Repairs were immediately put in'hand, and the first rake of trucks was brought to the top of the hill and tipped at 2.15 p.m. The work was carried out by officials of the company, and while in progress police officials were in evidence. Up to the present no action whatever has been taken by the miners, and it is significant that since the stoppage commenced on August 19 the union has not even held a meeting of its members, although the usual executive meetings have taken place each fortnight. Some 500 miners, deputies, and engineers are affected by the stoppage and it is difficult to say how long the cessation may be prolonged. All the other mines in the district are idle.