One Killed And Three Hurt In Mines Near Westport.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18788, 18 June 1929, Page 10

One Killed And Three Hurt In Mines Near Westport.

(Special to the ** Star.”)

WELLINGTON, June 18. THE ACTING-SECRETARY of the Post and Telegraph Department has received a report from the Chief Postmaster at Westport that communication has been established with Granity, Mfllerlon and Denniston.

William Chamley was killed in the Cardiff mine at Seddonville and three miners were injured at Denniston. At Westport the electric light and water is cut off. Buildings in the town, including the hospital, are badly damaged. The Borough Council convened a public meeting resulting in the formation of a Builders’ Committee, who have undertaken voluntarily to effect temporary repairs to business premises and dwellings in order to ensure that they are water-tight. The citizens are also grouping themselves for the purpose of mutual assistance. Government assistance is being asked for. Public Works officers blasted the dangerous portion of the post office frontage. Earthquakes stiil continue at frequent intervals, hut are of a less severe nature. There ai-e numerous slips in the Buller Gorge and there were many miraculous escapes. A line party was out all night endeavouring to establish communication.

The steamer Kartigi, leaving here at 1 p.m. for Westport, carried a complete telegraph equipment and a telephone exchange for 400 subscribers to replace the Westport installation if needed. The Postal Department is sending staff, and as a precaution against continued interruption of communications, shipped an emergency wireless installation capable of being operated by batteries. Two wireless operators have been sent by aeroplane from Christchurch

to assist the ship's radio officers. Line gangs working from north and south are endeavouring to restore the land wires wrecked by slips in the Buller Gorge, the worst trouble being at the Westport end. The telegraph lines are also faulty north and south of Kaikoura, and between Cheviot and Kaikoura. The steamer Kaitangata, which left Westport at six o’clock yesterday felt the earthquake at sea at 10.15 o’clock.