THE DOBSON DISASTER

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1926, Page 7

THE DOBSON DISASTER

THE FLOODING CONTINUES ALL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. RELIEF FOR IDLED MINERS. By Telegraph.—Press AmocHUob. Grey month, Night. At the outlet of the Dobson mine them is a strong smell of smoke and charred timber from the fires'that previously raged and blackened the doors and woodwork of the fan-house and the cliffs in the vicinity, but this morning all other signs of the burning had disappeared aud tho last wisp of smoko curled above the fan shaft the previous night. . Although the fires within have apparently been extinguished, the water from the pumps still splashes into the pool at the entrance to the outlet and runs through the dark passage into the inner recesses of the mine. Qoiqplete flooding, however, will be made to ensure that there is no smouldering coal to be fanned again into fire should the water be drawn off and a draught from the entrance to the dip be created. All the water will be left standing for 24 hours before the work of emptying begins, the duration of which is uncertain. but it will involve several weeks. The Roa mine manager, Mr. O’Donnell, arranged to give employnient to a considerable number of the idled miners while 20 are going to the State mine. The Wallsend mine may take a num. ber on as the union requested to-day by a deputation. The Greymouth Borough Council is to ask the Minister of Mines on Saturday for a vote for road work to employ the miners for a few weeks. A donation of £2O for the relief fund from Bishop - Brodie, of Christchurch, brings the total to £4OO.