The Snaefell Mining Disaster

The work of recovering the bodies of the men who were suffocated in the Snaefell silver and lead mines, Isle of Man, on Monday, proceeded all day yesterday, and all the remaining corpses were raised to the surface. Mr. G. J. Williams, assistant inspector of mines, bore the chief part in superintending the operations. Descending in the morning to the 60 fathoms level he found that the air had greatly improved. Some men who descended to the 74 fathoms level, however, reported that the atmosphere was still very foul. Captain Kitto, of the Foxdale Mines, arrived on the scene during the day. His long experience in lead-mining enabled him to give the rescuers valuable hints and assistance. The scenes at the shaft's mouth were again of the most heart-rending description, especially when it became known that the loss of life was greater than had been at first thought possible. It is now officially stated that 34 men went down the mine on Monday morning, and 15 came up alive. Three were brought up dead on Monday and 16 yesterday, the total death-roll being 19.

At 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon one of the members of the search party under Captain Kitto, named Brew, came to the top and reported the air as very bad. At the same time the dead-box was hauled up containing the body of William Christian, who lived at the Abbey Lands. He was found one ladder below the 100 fathoms level. Another relief party descended into the mine, and other corpses were sent up, but shortly afterwards Inspector Williams sent word that all the searchers were coming up as the air was dangerous. Before Mr. Williams left the mine he was affected by the foul air and became very weak, and the box was sent down for him. Tom Cowley and William Corlett, two of the searchers, arrived at the shaft's mouth at half-past 1 and reported some of their party on the way up to be failing. Several strong volunteers were despatched below, and at 20 minutes to 2 Inspector Williams arrived at the surface in the dead-box, having fainted. On his recovery he said they had got to one ladder below the 100 fathoms level. The other searchers were brought up safely. One of the men rescued on Monday, James Corkill, is still unconscious, and his recovery is very doubtful.

At a sitting of the Manx Legislative Council Lord Henniker, who presided, expressed the great sorrow he felt at the disaster. He intended to visit the scene, feeling, as Governor of the island, that it was his duty to go there to see if he could suggest anything that would mitigate the awful effects. Deemster Sir W. L. Drinkwater suggested that a public meeting should be called with the object of starting a fund for the relief of the families of the dead miners. The Governor said he would report to the Council after his visit to the mine on Thursday, and they could then decide if anything could be done to mitigate the distress. Already a fund for the relief of the sufferers has been opened and is being subscribed to liberally. The miners earn only 15s. or 16s. a week, and much relief will be needed for the widows and orphans, many of whom are ill-provided for. A public meeting is called for to-morrow evening at Laxey to raise a local fund there. Several of the bereaved have not yet had the distressing tidings revealed to them. It is stated by some, as a reason for the heavy loss of life, that the ladders were blocked by men trying to effect an escape, thus preventing others from getting through the narrow exits. The mine, it is stated, was badly ventilated, and at times the work had to be stopped on account of the existence of foul air.

A telegram has been received at Douglas from Lord Loch (a former Governor of the Isle of Man) and Lady Loch expressing their sympathy and asking for particulars. The inquest will be opened to-day. Dr. C. Le Neve Foster, Her Majesty's Inspector of Metalliferous Mines, crossed to the island yesterday to attend the inquiry.