Later Particulars.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9394, 22 March 1898, Page 2

Later Particulars.

(Received March 22, at 9.10 a.m.) March 22. While the roofing and brickwork of the air-shaft of the Dudley mine were lifted bodily and thrown in all directions, the machinery was not damaged. Tho simultaneous explosion in the main shaft sent the debris a quarter of a mile away, and destroyed the winding gear. The deputies and others who were constantly descending the pit did not notice any extraordinary smell of gas, nor did they apprehend the slightest danger. After the explosion, gas fumes poured out for some time. After repairs to the cage guides were effected, a first exploring party, consisting of the senior inspeotor of collieiies, tho manager of the Dudley mine, and the managers of two adjacent mines, descended. After getting down a couple of hundred feet they had to return, owing to tho after-damp. Later, when the ventilation had improved, they got below t and found the main workings blocked with <hbi i\. The pumping machinery at the bottom of tho shaft, weighing many tons, had been completely wrenched from its bed and capsized by the force of the explosion. Later in tho afternoon the first working party descended to remove the deiirfr, and endeavour to get at tho entombed minois. It was found that the stoppings used for directing the current of air from the ventilating shaft had been carried away by the explosion, thus interfering seriously with the ventilation of the workings. When this state of affairs was found to exist, all hopes of finding any of the men alive were abandoned. Owing to the destruction of the stoppings, the air produced by the fan passed out without circulating through the mine. This hampers the search party, who have to brattice as they proceed. The anguish round the pit mouth during the afternoon and last night was intense. _ The women bore their trial bravely. About fifty relatives of the entombed men with scores of sympathisers, maintained a sad watch while the search parties worked unceasingly. About ton o'clock the body of Dorrity was discovered two hundred yards from the bottom of the shaft. The remains were much charred and mutilated. The deceased must have been in the vicinity of the explosion and carried some distance along the workings, as the bones of tho body were badly broken. Tho accumulation of foul gas must be veiy rapid and due to some unknown cause. The gas which caused the explosion was carbonated hydrogen. Early this morning the exploring parties reported that the mine was unsafe, the roof of the drives showing signs of caving in. Another effort was to be made at Ga.m. (Received March 22 at 12.50 p.m.) The body of Benson, the pumpman, has been found near the main shaft, considerably smashed about.