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Newspaper
Sydney Evening News
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Date
Aug 04, 1902
Page
6
A caller reports ongoing rescue work at Mount Kembla Colliery after the explosion. Workers recover bodies amid debris while police and volunteers clear passages and guard the scene. Families support the effort as funerals are planned and relief funds grow.
Survivors and rescuers work through a grim scene as bodies are recovered from the Mount Kembla mine disaster. Officials report nearly all victims identified, with 77 bodies recovered and more expected, while Shellton and Wollongong officials coordinate funerals and a military funeral for Major MacCabe.
In Wollongong a deadly blast halted work near a tunnel and a coal seam. George Ramay recalls a narrow escape while aiding a fallen colleague, describing a chaotic scene of smoke, debris, and life risking efforts to reach daylight. A miner, badly hurt, was rescued as others fled toward safety.
A fragment notes miners with familial connections amid sparring events and a census style scene. The text emphasizes how kinship shapes the mining community and social circles within a tense period.
Reporting from Wollongong on the Mount Kembla colliery disaster, witnesses discuss firedamp dangers and gas buildup. An expert explains gas pockets form as coal is released, causing sudden death in miners while rescuers react to the grim scene and lingering questions about the cause.
Sunday report confirms 86 lives lost with 42 bodies recovered so far. Mine officials note 27 men accounted for Thursday, 8 clippers and 20 wheelers among 284 workers, with 1395 escaped and 6 dead. Funeral for Major MacCabe drew thousands including General Finn and Captain Kyngton.
An Evening News reporter discusses English tests on NSW coal dust explosive potential. Mr Pittman notes prior inquiries by the Mines Accidents Commission and outlines August to November Woolwich tests using blasting powder and coal dust samples from NSW collieries to judge ignition and explosivity under controlled conditions.
A historical report outlines how coal dust and ignition conditions trigger explosions across many mines. It notes that coal dust alone may not ignite spontaneously, citing the need for an initial flare in the dust cloud and stressing that moisture and dust accumulation create explosive mixtures in worksites.
Additions of sympathy came from Mrs P Bray United States Consul General Melbourne, Mr Menon Speaker Victoria State Parliament, Mr James Premier West Australia, and Rev John Walker Moderator Presbyterian General Assembly N S W. The NAW Christian Endeavour Union expressed profound sorrow and sent prayers for the Mount Kembla Mine calamity victims and sufferers.
In a report on coal dust explosive qualities linked to an interview with Mr Pitumas, both shots are clarified as rio Tent explogon, highlighting the experiment findings and terminology used.
Mr. Atkinson forwarded to colliery managers a Woolwich Testing Station report on the explosibility of coal dusts in New South Wales. The document notes blasting risks, propagation by dust, and the need to strictly water the shot per Coal Mines Regulation Act rule.
A correspondent notes such an explosion at a mine seems unlikely given a 20 foot seam free of gas. He suggests a tiny blower or gas buildup from coal dust could trigger rapid ignition. Weather changes and atmospheric pressure might influence gas escape and underground sounds as heavy weather nears.
A miraculous escape occurred on the 655 train from Spuney to Nowra last night after leaving Depts Station. The Evening News correspondent reports a life threat on board as a truck appeared on the line. The crew managed to regain control and bring the train to a halt. An empty truck was found obstructing the line and a large number of passengers were involved in the incident.
In a windy Saturday program at the University Oval and Sydney grounds, Eastern Suburbs defeated North Sydney while Western Suburbs pressed hard, with Ashby and White among standouts. Shoreline crowds watched as North Sydney edged ahead, but Eastern Suburbs rallied, earning a narrow victory. Glebe beat Balmain at Wentworth Park with goals from Harris and Moore and guards for Glebe.
Pyrmont Movers defeated Balmein by six goals to one at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the Gardiner Cup tie. The result highlights Pyrmont’s offensive strength and Balmein’s defensive lapses in a decisive round clash.
In an August match Australia bowled by Hart, Tate, Vine, Cox, Bown, Collins, Sellick, Fry, and Renilt Sinhil. Sussex opened with Vine and My, with Killick taking early wickets. By stumps Sussex 1 for 3, Killick 27, Relf and Sipil both at the crease as the innings ended amid steady totals and a slow rise in runs.
London reports the Hampshire vs Australasia match in Southampton to begin on the seventh instant and be limited to two days to allow Australians to witness the Coronation. The innings peaked at 425 for the sixth wicket, a record for a county match, surpassing the previous 411. Major Poore and Captain Wynward led Hampshire against Somerset at Taunton in July, 150.
On Saturday at the Water Court Chinaman Aamed AR Sow faced charges for smuggled tobacco hidden under clothing. The accused faced possible imprisonment or an alternative penalty. Evidence described a barge carrying 13 packets of tobacco and the contraband found secreted on the person.
A man of about 50, unknown name, camping in Ramsay's Bush at Dobroyde, was found dead near Dufbousles Street. Police describe a thin build, brown hair, sandy moustache, clothing including brown tweed coat, grey check trousers, white shirt, tan boots, and a black felt hat. The body lies at the Morris, Circular Quay.
A man identified as George Pallipe and two others were shot during a Saturday incident. The dead man is believed to be a victim in a fatal shooting. An inquest will be held at Urriere on Monday.
Reported from a police report a prisoner attempted a bizarre stunt during arrest claiming to witness a tragedy. The suspect wore a costume and mixed up his testimony causing police to struggle to determine intent and relevance.
Canterbury Park staged a fret meeting with Flying Handicap and Park Stakes events. Rock Harbour led early in the Flying Handicap, winning by several lengths from Kitty Sharp and Grafnell, with later races including Postillidam and Long Som in close finishes. The Canterbury Handicap saw Glenore and Spira contend, with Spira ultimately beaten by two lengths as The Maine and The Statue set the track.
The London Stock Exchange activity appears quiet with limited price moves for gold scrips and major listings. Melbourne readers note Saturday sales and trading hours with figures for several firms and banks, including Queen Contras and the Bank of New Zealand, alongside general market observations.
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