BRAVERY IN MINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22859, 14 October 1937, Page 23

BRAVERY IN MINE

EUROPEAN AND NATIVE RESCUES FROM FALLING ROCK High tributes to the bravery of a European ganger and a native boy in a severe rock burst at tlic Witwatersrand Gold Mine were paid- when presentations were made at Johannesburg recently to Mr. Leonard W. H. Bisbano and the native, Gideon. A severe pressure burst occurred in a stopo at the miim where Mr. Bisbane was in charge, said Mr. R. S. lompson, manager of the mine, describing the accident. It was revealed, at the inquiry that, before the rescue party could arrive on the scene, Mr. Bisbano, with a native as his only companion, and in spite of the further bursting and falling of rock, rescued one native whom ho found partially buried beneath loose rocks. After carrying him on his back to a safe place, he returned and attempted to rescue a second native who was partially buried. Mr. J. H. Crosby, on behalf of the Witwatersrand Gold Mining Company, Limited, added his tribute to Mr. Bisbane's bravery. He said that Gideon, another native and Mr. Bisbane were on' 1 their way out when the burst occurred, and they were thrown to the ground. Their lamps were extinguished. Relighting they were proceeding on their way, when they found a native buried under some rocks. Although the area was still bursting and rocks were falling, Gideon remained with his ganger and assisted him to free the injured native, although the second native lied to safety. "During this time," said Mr. Crosby, "further bursts occurred, and their .lamps were extinguished on three occasions. But, in spite of the terrifying nature of their experiences, Gideon remained, assisted Mr. Bisbane to carry the injured native out, and then returned with him to attempt to rescue another native caught under a further fall. "There is no doubt that, but for the valuable and stout-hearted assistance Gideon rendered, the life-saving efforts of Mr. Bisbane would not liavo been possible." ___________