The Kaitangata Colliery Accident.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3126, 24 February 1879, Page 2

The Kaitangata Colliery Accident.

The Remainder of the Bodies

Found.

Funeral of the Victims.

(Pee Pbess Agency.)

BALCLUTHA.

This day.

The two remaining bodies—those of Andrew Jams and Archie Hodge—were got between 4 and 5 o'clock this morning. Previous to the explosion Hodge hatf iv* formed others of his intention to go into the old workings for some rails. It wai therefore supposed he had caused the accident, and that his body would be found there. It was discovered 150 feet into the old workings, and his body was much burned and disfigured. The two bodies are kept for the inquest to-morrow. The washing and dressing of all the other bodies was completed at seven o'clock last night, but the making of the coffins was only finished early this morning. A special train left Balclutha at 11.25 with about 200 persons for the funeral, and joined the special train from Dunedin, Milton, and other stations. About 500 were present from Kaitangata and the surrounding districts. Shortly after 12 sixteen bodies were removed from the Bridge Hotel to the graveyard in eight drays, and from the drays to the graves they were carried shoulder high. The drays then returned for the other 12 bodies, and after the arrival the whole funeral service commenced. The religions of the deceased were— Presbyterians 13, Church of England 11, Epman Catholics 4. It had been arranged previously that Beys. Messrs Chisholm (Tokomairiro), Allen (lacu-Clutha), and Ronaldson (Tokomairiro), should first conduct a combined service of the Presbyterian and English Church, to be followed by the Boman Catholic service by Father Larkins. Father Larkins made this arrangement, but when the bodies arrived he broke it, and pro* ceeded with his service first. Thil breach of faith gave some offence and annoyance. After the Catholic service the Rev. Mr Bonaldaon read a portion of the Scripture. Tie Ber. Mr Chisholm addressed the assemblage in an eloquent and feeling speech. The Ber. Mr Allen also en. ga^ed in prayer. The bodiei were then lowered into the ■ graves. A. large number of widows and children and relations of the deceased were present, but managed to control their feelings much better than might have been expected, and the whole of the proceedings were very orderly and solemn. The bell of the Presbyterian Church adjoining the graveyard every minute pealed during the proceedings. Weather fine.