The Snaefell Mine Disaster

The exploring operations at Snaefell Mine were resumed yesterday morning. The air of the mine was first tested by Dr. Le Neve Foster, Government Inspector of Mines, by sending down a live mouse, which was brought back to the surface in a dying condition as the result of the carbon monoxide which permeates the lower level. A number of men, notwithstanding this warning, responded to Dr. Foster's appeal for an exploring party to recover Kelly's body, the only one remaining in the mine. Dr. Foster, before the party descended, addressed them and said that the gallant conduct of the Manx miners was a credit to the Isle of Man. The party descended at 11 o'clock, but did not succeed in finding the body. It is intended to light a fire in the upcast shaft with the object of creating a draught in the mine. Another attempt to recover the body will probably be made to-day. The funeral of 18 victims of the Snaefell mining disaster took place yesterday in the presence of thousands of spectators from all parts of the island. Carriages conveyed the coffins from the mines over four miles of rough road to Laxey, where some of the coffins were taken possession of by relatives. The majority, however, were conveyed to Lonan churchyard, where the Bishop of Sodor and Man officiated. At the Tynwald Court yesterday morning Lord Henniker, Governor of the island, said that he took the first opportunity of expressing on behalf of both branches of the Legislature their great sorrow at the dreadful disaster. He had himself been to the scene of the calamity to see if he could do anything to mitigate the suffering. He would suggest that a general committee be formed for the purpose of receiving funds on behalf of the bereaved widows and children ; and to put that suggestion into practical shape he would ask the members of the Legislature to remain behind at the close of business. This was accordingly done.