THE MOUNT KEMBLA DISASTER SYDNEY, September 9.

Otago Witness, Issue 2631, 17 September 1902, Page 15

THE MOUNT KEMBLA DISASTER SYDNEY, September 9.

Another of those who were in the Mount Kmnbla mine at the time of the explosion is dead, making 95 victims. Two others are still in a precarious condition. September 10. Mr Ritchie, the miners' secretary 'at Mount Kembla, in giving evidence at the inquest, said he was satisfied that the disaster was caused by gas in the first instance, added to by coal dust. There were a few safety lamps in the mine, but they were in a bad state. The oil used was of a bad quality, and the wicks were unsuitable. The evidence of miners shows that the presence of gas in the Mount Kembla mine was common, talk iv the mine for years past. September 11. The Chief Inspector of Collieries, in his evidence, said he found gas in various parts of the Mount Kembla mine after the accident. September 12. The inspector of collieries has formed two theories as to the disaster — one that a fall dislodged the gas; another that Morris and son had ignited a small quantity of firedamp in the heading where they were working. Tnis latter raised the coal dust and drove, it over

1-b.e naked light, causing a greater explosion. The indications were conflicting, and he was unable to give one theory more credence than the other. A very small percentage of gas would cause a dust explosion. The quantity is so small, indeed, that an ordinary safety lamp detects its presence. - The jury found that the deaths in the Kembla mine were due to carbon monoxide, produced by an explosion of firedamp ignited by the naked lights used in the mine and accelerated by a series of explosions of coal dust. We have received an appeal for subscriptions in aid of the Kembla Disaster Fund, signed by the Mayor of Sydney and the hon. treasurers and hon. secretaries of the Sydney Town .aall Relief Fund. They state that a false impression appears to exist in the minda of some people that sufficient provision has been made for sufferers under an act recently passed. The allowance under this act is 8s per week to each widow and 2s 6d per week for each child under 14 years. The committee add : " The number of deaths up to the present time is 94, and there are 35 widows and 150 children to be provided for, apart from other relatives. The I«-ast that may be asked of tho generosity of the public is that the allowances by the Government should be supplemented in every instance where needed. In cases like the present where widows, orphans, and others have been suddenly deprived of those on whom they have been entirely dependent , for a livelihood,' the need for help is real and urgent." No doubt the cablegram* whfch were sent to ' the press of the colony from New South Wales checked the flow of subscriptions, j We shall receive and' acknowledge any sums ' received for the fund. Wo have received a letter from Sir John. See, Premier of New South Wales, stating that any money contributed in New Zealand in aid of the sufferers by the Mount Kembla disaster would be gratefully rereived. „