MINE EXPLOSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6115, 23 March 1898, Page 3

MINE EXPLOSION.

•■ • » THREE BODIES RECOVER3D. ALL HOPE OF RESCUE ABANDONED. United Press Association-By Electric TelegraphCopy riVhfc. * ' ■ _, M SYDN EY, March 22. „ Beceived March 22. 10.35 p.m. The after-damp in the Dudley mine is proving troublesome, and the greatest care has to be exercised to prevent another explosion. The medical examination of the two bodies recovered proves that death was not instantaneous, the men having inhaled poisonous gas. ; .;-A pathetic incident occurred as the relief party was about to descend to-day. A work-worn, aged, wrinkled man unostentatiously pushed his way to the front. "You can't go down," said Jones, the leader of the party, in a kindly voice, as he recognised the old man as one whose son was missing. "You had better not go down. We will do all that mortal men can do. Rest assured of that/ And the griefstricken father reluctantly sat down on the ground close by and wept silently. . The Dudley mine is so damaged that it will take months to put it right. The exploring party encountered smoke, showing that the mine is on fire. One fire has been located, „ut whether any extended conflagration exists is hot yet known. ■", Received March 22, 9.50 p.m. . Skin, and in some, places flesh, is torn off the bodies of the two. _nen- recovered from the Dudley mine. Water is now becoming a. serious Obstatele to-the relief party,* as it as. .gathering* in. -the pit to* -Tconeiderable 'extent. • It •is expected that other bodies will be reached to-night. Received March 23, 12.35 a.m. The body of Humphries was recovered from the mine this evening.