THE DOBSON TRAGEDY

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1926, Page 11

THE DOBSON TRAGEDY

MINE WORKINGS FLOODED FIRE NOT Y-ET EXTINGUISHED. SEVERAL RELIEF FUNDS OPENED Bv Talegraph.—PrcM Aaaociaticm. Greymouth, Last Night. Operations continue this evening in connection with the flooding of the Dobson mine workings. This afternoon the water had reached the foot of the main dip and evidence that the fire is being gradually overcome is that the volume of smoke issuing from the fan outlet has greatly decreased. Pumping o]>erations were resumed this afternoon after suspension since last evening owing to Ute rise of the river. Draught has now been eliminated from the main dip end, but the fire continues, and it remains uncertain when it will be completely extinguished. No further explosions have been recorded. , The town of Dobson to-day is deserted. There is no word yet of work being found for the idle miners, numbering 140. The relief fund now totals £343, including. donations of £lOO from the Westport Coal Company and £lO5 front, the Grey Harbour Board. RELIEF FUNDS OPENED. Greymouth, Dec. 8. The Greymouth. Evening Star has o)>ened a Dobson relief fund, starting it with. 25 guineas. The Harbour Board voted 100 guineas to the fund. Smoke this morning had ceaseff to come' from the mine. Wellington, Dee, 8. Deputations representing the various Labour organisations in Wellington waited on the Mayor to-day asking him lo appeal to the citizens for contributions to assist the distress consequent upon the Dobson disaster. The Mayor said be would immediately open an appeal. He was confident people would welcome the opportunity to assist. The strictest rare would be taken to ensure that sums contributed were handled in the liest manner, so as to afford the greatest degree of relict. Two donations were immediately 7 announced of 50 guineas and 5 guineas.