Extraordinary Adventure At The Snaefell Mine

Dr. C. Le Neve Foster, her Majesty's Inspector of Metalliferous Mines, on Saturday morning tested the atmosphere between the 115 and 130 levels in the Snaefell lead mine, where the disaster of last Monday occurred, with a view to ascertaining if it were possible to recover the only body, that of Robert Kelly, remaining in the workings. The candles sent down alight burnt brightly at 115 fathoms, but were extinguished at 130. At noon a party, consisting of Dr. Foster, Mr. G. J. Williams (assistant inspector of mines), Captain Reddicliffe, Captain Kewley, and eight others descended the shaft. Some of the party proceeded to the landing at the top of the ladder, at the foot of which was lying, and were able to get within 12ft. of the body without being seriously affected by the gas. Dr. Foster then tested the air below, and as it was found to be very poisonous he ordered that no man was to descend further. Captain Kewley, however, volunteered to attempt a further descent and went down a step or two on the ladder with grappling irons, which he gently lowered and then swung to and fro to try and catch the clothing of the body. Immediately the air was disturbed by the swinging the gas began to rise. Captain Kewley was at once overcome, and was hauled back to the landing. Those above were also affected seriously by the gas, but managed to get Captain Kewley into the box and rang the signal for it to be brought to the surface. The box became jammed in the timbers of the sheathing at the 105 level, and for over one hour could not be moved. In the meantime all those below had given themselves up for lost. After ringing continually for assistance those of the party who still retained some energy managed to climb to the surface, arriving there in an hysterical condition.

All the responsible mine officials were in the shaft and only Dr. Miller, the medical officer, was in charge of the handful of men who had gathered at the shaft's mouth. It was with the greatest difficulty that a competent rescue party could be got together, as there were so few miners present, but every one of those about the scene, even those totally unacquainted with the mine volunteered to render assistance, and a party of 16 proceeded below. Captain Kewley was at length brought above ground, the box having been cleared by the relief party, and then the remainder of those of the first party who had not been able to reach the surface were one by one sent up in the box, some of them unconscious and others in an excited and hysterical state. All were rescued by half-past 3, Dr. Foster being the last to go up. His first act on reaching the surface, before he allowed the doctor to treat him, was to make his final entry in his note-book, over 30 pages of which were covered with notes on the course of events below, made while he believed himself to be dying. In less than an hour most of the sufferers were able to go to their houses. Captain Kewley, however, remained in a very weak state, as did Captain Reddicliffe. The Government inspectors were driven to Laxey, Dr. Foster fainting on the way.

As soon as he had sufficiently recovered Dr. Foster made a statement to a Press representative, in the course of which he said that in all his official experience, extending over 24 years, he had never had such a dreadful time or such a marvellous escape from death. He described the operations in the mine up to the time when Captain Kewley said "I am feeling bad, I must go up." Dr. Foster immediately said, "All hands up at once." They had got down to the 130 level, and they now climbed up to the 115 level and put Captain Kewley in the box. Dr. Foster continued :— We were all feeling very much exhausted by the efforts of climbing. We expected the box would return that took Captain Kewley up, but it did not come. I took my note book out and commenced to write. I thought it would be just as well for me to improve the shining hour, though there was not much sunshine about it. I was making notes all the time. I commenced taking notes at 2 p.m. Still the box did not come down, and I thought certainly it was 'U.P.' with all of us. By this time some of the men who felt better had climbed up, but most of us were not strong enough to do so. I was saying in my notes goodbye to all my people, and wrote :— 'I fear we are all dying. No help coming. . . . The box does not come. In spite of all our ringing for help it will not come. Captain Reddicliffe is struggling. No real pain. Goodbye. I feel as if I were sleeping. Again, goodbye all ! 2.15 p.m. — We are all done. Oh, for the box ! It is held in the shaft.' I had heard this."

Dr. Foster further wrote in his note-book that they had taken all precautions in the morning, and had been very cautious and not foolhardy. He also wrote a goodbye to his wife and children, and added :— "It is really like a bad dream. No pain. For the benefit of others, no pain. I am glad that Jones went away, and that all of us have not perished at this stage." Mr. Jones, an inspector, who was in the room listening to Dr. Foster's narrative, had to leave, being very much affected. The notes continued :— "2.25 p.m. — Two of the party are all right. I think they are ringing. When is help coming ? The box is gone. Four new men are coming. I don't feel bad. It is strange to write notes while we are dying. What a lot I have written ! Captain Reddicliffe is about the worst. I think he will go first. While there is life there is hope. Good old proverb ! Send a note for more brandy. Send for more help. The box has just gone up with Reddicliffe. Williams goes next — he has a capital heart. 2 45. — I have written pages. Kewley is a good fellow. There is life in the old horse yet. I feel as if I could sing. God is helping us ; he has heard our prayer. My turn to go." Arriving at the surface and getting out of the box Dr. Foster, note-book in hand, though weak and staggering, made the entry stating the time at which he got to the top. His last entry was :— "Dr. Miller says I must be quiet, but I won't." The scene at the mouth of the shaft was very touching, and long to be remembered.

Mr. Williams also made a statement. On two occasions he has been brought up from the mine as dead, but his courage was unabated. He said they had had a terrible time, but he was prepared to go down again. The bravery of Dr. Foster, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Jones, and all the mine captains was lauded throughout the Isle of Man when the news became known. It was one of Captain Kewley's own sons who with another man released the box. Willie Christian, a young man who was one of the rescue party, when asked if he did not think it foolhardy to go down again for the dead body, said it was a recognized rule of the miners that they should recover all corpses if possible. Yesterday throughout the island sermons were preached and the "Dead March" was played in all the places of worship, and collections were made for the destitute widows and orphans. In the afternoon there was a remarkable gathering at Douglas in which about 20,000 people took part, the Bishop, clergy, and ministers of all denominations joining in a procession to the palace, where the Bishop delivered an address and appealed for contributions. The Hon. Misses Henniker and Mrs. Straton were present.

James Corkill, one of the men rescued from the mine early last week, died early yesterday morning. He leaves a widow and seven children. Little hope of his recovery was entertained from the first, and with a few brief intervals he remained unconscious to the time of death. The members of Saturday's exploring party were stated last night to be doing as well as could be expected. The shaft has been closed for the present.