Whitehaven Pit Disaster

The King's Sympathy

The King and Queen have caused the following message to be sent on their behalf to Mr. W. Walker, Chief Inspector of Mines, who was in conference yesterday with other inspectors and representatives of the Whitehaven Colliery Company and of the miners at the Haig Pit, where an exploring party of 13 was entombed as the result of explosions early on Sunday morning :—

"The King and Queen are distressed to hear of the disastrous explosion at the Haig Pit, and I am commanded to convey the expression of their Majesties' heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved families. — Secretary for Mines."

Commodore Douglas King, Secretary to the Mines Department, also sent a personal telegram expressing his grief.

The position at the Haig Pit remained unchanged yesterday, operations below ground being entirely suspended owing to the dangerous condition of the mine. A joint committee appointed at the conference yesterday will inspect the pit this morning.