The Colliery Disaster In Durham

The bodies of four more of the 20 men and boys killed by the explosion at Brancepeth Colliery were recovered yesterday, seven still remaining entombed. These four appeared not to have been killed by the explosion but to have succumbed after an interval to the after-damp. Two of them, a boy named Ransom and an old man named Jefferson, were found face downwards as if they had fallen dead while running away. Turner, one of the others, had a handkerchief tied over his mouth, and Brigham, the fourth, was found with his mouth close to a railway plate, there being a superstition among the miners that safety may be found in "sucking the plate." Messages of sympathy with the bereaved have been received from the Home Secretary, the Bishop of Durham, Mr. Burt, M.P., and many others. Mr. Donald Bain, inspector of mines for Durham, has been in constant attendance at the mine since the disaster, with several local inspectors. Dr. Haldane, on behalf of the Home Office, has examined the bodies of the dead men as well as the carcases of the horses. The usual relief measures have been inaugurated. Twelve widows and 25 children have become chargeable to the Miners' Permanent Fund.