GLEN AFTON TRAGEDY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20919, 26 September 1939, Page 6

GLEN AFTON TRAGEDY

All the elaborate machinery that has been devised for the safety of men who work in the coal mines has not prevented another tragedy that plunged the community connected with the Glen Afton mine into mourning and aroused the sympathy of everyone in New Zealand. It was fortunate that the disaster occurred on a Sunday; otherwise the toll of lives might have been greater than eleven. In this respect the tragedy recalls the greater loss of 25 years ago when 43 men were killed in a Taupiri mine and when the greater number of men engaged at the mine were on holiday. But all the eleven victims were married men, and the blow falls heavily upon those who depended upon them. The tragedy called forth magnificent efforts from those who organised and executed the rescue work, and a quick response from the Government and all others who were able to render any assistance. Unhappily, those who were within the mine engaged qn the daily inspection in the interests of the safety of the workers were beyond human aid. The deadly gases apparently generated by the fire saturated the mine and overcame the party before they were aware of its presence. That is the danger of such gas. It usually cannot be detected until it is too late; hence the use by the rescuers of the more sensitive caged birds which show the effects of the gas before human beings are aware of its presence. The closest inquiry will no doubt be made into all the circumstances of the disaster, and the precise cause will probably be ascertained. Further improvements in safety measures may even result from the experience and the inquiry. Every known device is already employed for the safety of the men, but coal mining still has its hidden dangers against which there must be unrelenting vigilance. In the meantime all that a sympathetic country can do should be done for those who arc bereaved at Glen Afton. Ready offers of assistance are forthcoming, and these will help to soften the blow to the wi.ves, children and relatives of the men who lost their lives.