Kaitangata Coal Mine.

Otago Witness, Issue 1764, 12 September 1885, Page 14

Kaitangata Coal Mine.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — It seems bo me that some recent occurrences in connection with the working of the above mine should be published. A short time ago the manager fixed a different engine from the one in use to draw the coal out of the mine, a distance of 1100 ft, a grade of one in five, and the first morning it started, I don't know what was the cause, but there was a run of trucks full of men started) from the top to be let down by the engine, but as soon as they started the engine lost control of them altogether, and they went smash to the bottom of the drive, aud threw some of the men out of the trucks, and scratched them a bit, but it was a miracle there was nobody killed ; and -there was none of the men tried to find out who was to blame for it.

Another event was the kindling of gas in the mine. Some parties working with safety lamps in the centre and naked lights 'all round them, the consequence was the kindling of the gas several times. One time in particular, the men had all to make their way home the best way they could, after getting frightened a bit, nothing serious happening.

Another event resulted in the death of a young man, who was buried as quick as possible, and the public heard no more about it- ; everything seemed to be hushed up in a few days, with satisfaction to nobody, aud I believe these matters would stand investigating, to find out who is to blame for such things as these happening. — I am, &c., A Miner.