SUBSIDENCE OVER A COAL MINE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 316, 25 June 1889, Page 2

SUBSIDENCE OVER A COAL MINE.

SEVERAL LIVES LOST. HARROWING SCENES AT THE MOUTH OF THE PIT. Nzwcastli, Jans 24. A terrible calamity has occurred here, but fortunately the loss of life is not nearly so great as it might have been. A coal mine has collapsed, it is believed owing to the removal of pillars in workings that were about to be abandoned. Warning noises had previously been heard, and some of the miners had thought it was getting too dangerous to continue working, but they were dissuaded from their intention of giving up the work, by experienced men who were considered well able to judge. On Saturday morning, however, the previous warnings, which had got more ominous, gave way te a terrible reality and great masses of stuff were heard falling, and deafening noises emanated from beneath. Several falls of earth took place at different periods. About 25 were below at the time, and of this number it is believed that there are entombed—Hudson, Grant, Benfield, Beamont, Gaddon, Masson, Relit, Proctor, Peate and Roberts. Some of the others had most miraculous escapes, and in consequence of the danger all hope of the relief parties succeeding in recovering those who are entombed, either dead or alive, is abandoned. The subsidence affects an area of over fifteen acres.

The scenes at the mouth of the pit were of the most harrowing description, owing to the grief and supense of the friends of those below.