“SCORCHED EARTH”

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4558, 10 April 1942, Page 7

“SCORCHED EARTH”

THE NEWCASTLE COALFIELDS PRECAUTIONS AGAINST AIR ATTACKS SYDNEY, March 5. At the instigation of the New South Wales Government mining experts are discussing plans to blow up the rich coalfields in the Newcastle district rather than let them fall into the hands of Japanese invaders. The mines will be destroyed only as a last resort, however, and elaborate plans are being made to deal with air raids round the mines and in neighbouring towns. After inspecting mine rescue stations the Minister for Mines (Mr Baddeley) said that everything was ready for an emergency. All possible steps were being taken to safeguard the miners. The Mines Department, which has a big explosive laboratory, is also considering—with the permission of the military—the manufacture of bombs which could possibly be used by miners as guerilla fighters. It would also provide the explosives necessary to make the mines unserviceable. Mr Baddeley said that the time taken to put a mine back into action after a scorched earth policy had been carried out would depend greatly on the individual mine. Dealing with protection against air raids, he said that, while the tunnels were safe, precautions had to be taken to guard against lucky hits causing mine explosions or blocking entrances. Mobile winding gear had been installed in case cages were put put of action. Miners had been informed of emergency exits. “Proto” equipment (oxygen outfits to enable men to enter a gas-infected area, fumes, or foul air) is ready, and a new apparatus, enabling oxygen to be administered to six persons simultaneously, instead of one machine for one victim, is being provided. “Cooperation of the miners and mineowners’ representatives in the work of safeguarding lives in the event of air raids has been very gratifying,” added Mr Baddeley. “We are now in a position to render valuable assistance outside as well as around the mines.”