THE WORK OF RESCUE

Rescue work underground was proceeded with during Monday night and yesterday morning, and it revealed the sad fact that the extent of the disaster was greater than had been at first anticipated. Up to noon seven bodies had been recovered and landed by way of the “skip” shaft, but only four could be identified, so badly had the bodies been crushed. One man brought up from the 38-fathom level to the surface was William James Nicholas. He was looking haggard and exhausted, having been imprisoned in the working all night. At the shaft head he was greeted by his father, who, with the assistance of another man, led him to the account house. There young Nicholas was provided with refreshments, and Drs. Browning and Richmond bandaged a cut on his head. He then walked away. About a score of men were landed during Monday night and early Tuesday morning. In the shaft the rescuers saw a man pinned very badly by the leg, and it took from three to four hours to release him. It was known that just above him were four or five others. These were successfully liberated.

Major Oates, chairman of the Mine Committee, was early on the scene, and Mr. Baydell, Government Inspector of Mines, and Mr. Richards, of the union headquarters in London, were apprised of the accident. As the time passed the families of men who worked in the shaft anxiously watched the rescue.

As the news of the accident spread, Geevor miners came over and offered their assistance, which was gratefully accepted. In St Just and Pendeen the accident created consternation, and men, women, and children set out for Levant to glean the latest particulars.

Telegraphing last night, a Penzance correspondent stated that according to official reports nine bodies had been brought to the surface and an injured miner has succumbed at his home. The miners unaccounted for number twentyone, and the worst fears are entertained as to their fate.