DOBSON MINE DISASTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19966, 7 December 1926, Page 9

DOBSON MINE DISASTER.

INQUEST ON VICTIMS. STORY OF THE TRAGEDY. INQUIRY ADJOURNED SINE DIE. (Feb Unite Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, December i. An inquest concerning the victims of the Dobson mine tragedy was opened at Greymouth to-day by the coroner, Mr W. Meldrum, S,M. Senior Sergeant R. J. M'Carthy conducted the proceedings, Mr J. W. Hannan represented the Grey Valley Collieries (Ltd.). John Smeaton, miner. Dobson, said that at about ,2.55 a.m. on December 3 he left the bottobi of the main haulage dip and came to the top for another load of material. On reaching the top he said to his two mates that they could make it “crib” time, as they would not have time to go down with another load. They left the mouth of the mine, and retired to a small cabin.' where a coal fire was burning, about half a chain from the line of the dip. They had been sitting in tho cabin for about 12 minutes when they heard a terrific explosion after a flash like lightning. A smaller explosion followed a few seconds later. He went out to investigate after the debris had stopped falling. He said to his mates; “I think the boiler has blown up.” They found the boiler all right. Witness then wondered whether the powder magazine had gone. Nimmo reached the magazine first, and called out that it was safe. Witness turned in the direction of the mine mouth and said, “Oh. God, the mine’s gone.” He then sent Nimmo for the' mine manager and underviewer. Acting under the instructions of the manager witness took charge of the mine mouth and later led a party into the mine. Witness was tied on to the end of a rope with the manager and Watkins next, in that order. About half a chain from the bottom 6f the stone dip witness heard men moaning. Witness released himself from the rope, and went to the winchhouse where be found Ashton standmg up against the drum of the air winch. He was fearfully burned, and was groaning and moaning. Witness told Ashton that he would be all right, and asked him to lift his leg over some timber in the road, as he was so badly burned that witness when handling him would give great pain. The refit of the rescuers arrived and Ashton was placed on a stretcher and taken to the surface. Witness then went a few feet into the cabin behind the electric winch, and found the driver, Robert Hunter, lying on his back terribly burned. Two feet further away was John Lindsay, and aHyit four feet away, James Richards, mine deputy, was lying dead. The men were all in the winch chamber, where they could have their “crib.” Witness later identified the four men, whom he The Senior Sergeant stated that he did not intend to call further evidence meanwhile, and the inquest was adjourned sine die.

PUMPING OPERATIONS. GOOD PROGRESS REPORTED. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE MEN RENDERED IDLE. (Peb United Pbess Association.) GREYMOUTH, December 6. The pumping of water from the Grey River into the Dobson mine has proceeded since yesterday afternoon, and since the second pump started 50,000 gallons per hour have been pumped. It is estimated that 8,000,000 gallons are required. Soon the water will rise to the level of the foot ■of the main dip, stopping any air entering therefrom and lessening the combustion within. In the meantime volumes of smoke continue to issue from the fan on the air shaft, indicating a meeting of water with fire in the burning portion of the mine. It is feared that when the water seals the main dip a fresh explosion may result, but the only damage likely to result would be below the ground. , Normally about 160 men are employed in the Dobson mine, of whom 145 are rendered idle. The president of the Grey Valley Miners' Union (Mr J. Smeaton) has wired the Minister of Mines (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) asking if temporary employment could be found for the idled miners at the State collieries and elsewhere. A relief fund has been opened, a donation ot 50 guineas coming from. W. D. and H. O. Wills (N.Z.), Ltd. Messages of sympathy from Australian miners’ organisations, New Zealand unions, mayors, and many others are being received. It is anticipated that the coal production at Dobson will not be resumed for about a couple of months. The directors, Messrs Hogarth, Catchpole, and Kirkcaldie, are visiting the mine. They state that it is impossible yet to make any statement on the explosion until the mine has again been opened and an investigation made. SYMPATHY FROM AUSTRALIA. (Pipes Association— By Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, December 6. The Minister of Mines (Mr J. M. Baddeley) expressed regret at the news of the Dobson mine disaster. He said he had requested the Minister of Mines in New Zealand to convey an expression of sympathy to the bereaved.