Coal mine accidents

Date: 1967

From: Quinn, Joseph, d 1998: Negatives and prints from photographic studio operated by James Ring, L A Inkster, and Joseph Quinn

Reference: PAColl-9543-51

Description: Photographs relating to the Strongman Mine disaster of 1967, taken by Joseph Quinn Includes photographs of the rescue effort and funerals and graves. The associated negatives include photographs of the commission of inquiry and MBE medal awards Quantity: 14 b&w original photographic print(s) proof sheets. 2 b&w original photographic print(s). 8 item(s) of photographic ephemera. Physical Description: Photographic prints, negative envelopes

Date: 1967

By: Patterson, John Kenneth, 1914-2005

Reference: MapColl-834.1gbc/1967/Acc.31194

Description: Plans from the Strongman Mine Committee of Inquiry, 1967, from the chairman, lawyer and senior magistrate Mr Patterson. Index of miners' working places at the time of the accident. List names of those on day shift and night shift. Identifies position of persons killed in the mine on the plan, their names and the injuries they died from. Identifies structural elements of the mine, for example stoppings, air crossings, goaf areas, elevations, falls. Plan shows where at least nineteen people died. Removed from donor's study after the sale of his house Quantity: 2 map(s). 1.90 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Diazo photoprint, scale indeterminable, 56.8 x 77.5 cm Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - Plans of Strongman Mine, 1967.

Date: 1967

By: Patterson, John Kenneth, 1914-2005

Reference: MapColl-834.1gbc/1967/Acc.31199

Description: Plans from the Strongman Mine Committee of Inquiry, 1967, from the chairman, lawyer and senior magistrate Mr Patterson. Shows scene of explosion, position of persons killed, path and direction of explosion waves, stoppings, air crossings, goaf areas, elevations and falls. Shows index of miners working places. Annotated highlight (from manuscript map) of path of explosion waves. Removed from donor's study after the sale of his house Quantity: 1 map(s). 1.90 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Diazo photoprint, scale [1:792], 57 x 77.5 cm Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS Group 0940, Plans of Strongman Mine, 1967.

Date: 21 Jul 1994

From: Greater Green Island oral history project

By: Currie, John Thomas, 1916-2013

Reference: OHInt-0616/11

Description: John Thomas Currie born at Tinkertown, a mining village near Nightcaps, 1916. Briefly details family background. Talks about the Depression, leaving school aged 14 and first employment at Wairaki mine aged 15 years. Mentions job sharing and explains how it operated. Mentions the gold relief scheme, Central Otago. Refers to closure of Mossbank mine, Moreley Flat after flooding. Recalls explosion at Linton Mine 1939. Also briefly refers to heavy snowfall (1939). Explains that coal mining was an essential industry during World War II and gives details of successful appeal to Manpower Minister, Mr Hunter, joining Scottish Regiment in 1941, training at Forbury Park (Dunedin) and Trentham and sailing for Fiji in 1942. Recalls working for Fairfield Coal Mining Company on return from Fiji and commencing Fernhill mine Abbotsford when Fairfield went out of production. Discusses mine management and how different classes of ticket for managing mines operated. Mentions Mr Barclay and Jim Mair. Describes hazards of gas and refers to `Black damp'. Discusses the amalgamation of Green Island Miners' Union with Kaitangata after 1944. Refers to Bill McDowell, Green Island miners' representative. Other aspects of mining discussed include; health and safety; working relationships underground; the environment and accidents. Talks about importance of 1935 Savage Government. Makes a brief reference to 1951 Watersiders' strike [lockout] and Black Budget 1958. Mentions the Abbotsford slip and popular theories of the causes. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Glenys Whittington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-010075-010076 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3361. Photocopies of four b&w photographs: (i, ii & iii) Three views of Green Island Swimming Pool, Opening Day 1960; (iv) Main Rd, Sunnyvale, looking towards Green Island - Old Town Hall on right of road - middle distance ca 1944.

Date: 1882-1892

By: Kaitangata Relief Fund

Reference: MS-1100

Description: Describes financial investments, particularly in Dunedin and disbursements of the fund set up to care for survivors of a coal mining disaster in Kaitangata, 1879 Source of title - Transcribed Quantity: 1 volume(s) (68 pages). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Ms, typescript (26 cm; ½ brown calf, black boards)

Date: 1967

By: Patterson, John Kenneth, 1914-2005

Reference: MapColl-834.1gbc/1967/Acc.31198

Description: Plans from the Strongman Mine Committee of Inquiry, 1967, from the chairman, lawyer and senior magistrate Mr Patterson. Plan drawn from measurements by F.W.J. Munden. Shows floor to roof plan, where shots blown through, shot wires, shot near rib, cavity in face, hole full of stonedust and drill holes. Removed from donor's study after the sale of his house Second copy at 834.1gbc/1967/Acc.31195 Quantity: 1 map(s). 1.90 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Diazo photoprint, scale [ca. 1:792], 37.5 x 52 cm Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS Group no. 0940, Plans of Strongman Mine, 1967.

Date: 1927

From: New Zealand. Department of Mines : Mining manuscripts

Reference: MSY-4517

Description: Includes evidence given by witnesses with index Quantity: 1 volume(s) (468 pages). Physical Description: Typescript

Date: 1926-1927

From: Hutt County Council : Records

Reference: MS-Papers-1293-119/05

Description: Correspondence and papers re unemployment; Paekakariki Quarry; visit of Duke and Duchess of York; epidemic organisation re influenza; tree planting and eucalypts; old Maori canoe in Mr Whiteman's paddock at Whiteman's Valley (see also folder 119/4); Dobson Coal Mine Disaster Relief Fund, 1926; railways; and other miscellaneous matters Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Mss

Date: 1967

By: Patterson, John Kenneth, 1914-2005

Reference: MapColl-834.1gbc/1967/Acc.31197

Description: Plans from the Strongman Mine Committee of Inquiry, 1967, from the chairman, lawyer and senior magistrate Mr Patterson. Shows wider section of plan; Green's 1 and 2 section, Kinsey's section (the C seam middle and lower sections), and also parts of Scott's section. The Green's No. 2 section, the lower split of C seam, has been highlighted on the legend and in the plan. Removed from donor's study after the sale of his house Quantity: 1 map(s). 1.90 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Diazo photoprint, scale [1:792], 56.8 x 77.5 cm Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS Group 0940, Plans of Strongman Mine, 1967.

Date: 25 Feb 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: Andrews, Robert Alexander, 1920-2008

Reference: OHInt-0020/06

Description: Robert Andrews describes biking to work; using the coal cutting machine; night shifts; number of shifts; getting coal from face; the earliest coal cutting machines; pit ponies at Glen Afton; accidents; the Glen Afton disaster; getting a deputies ticket; deputies and underviewers; cavelling for jobs; the Alison number 2 mine; introducing scraper loading into Alison; hydro mining in South Island; attempt to introduce hydro loading into Alison; working at the mine rescue station; ambulance certificate; training required; accidents attended underground; people pretending to be hurt; conditions of mining in World War II; danger of fires. Recalls wartime rations; nationality of miners; Rotowaro in the 1940s; the Rotowaro soccer team, Chatham Cup finalists; the church; school; entertainment; the undermanager's job; the 1951 strike; strikes during World War II; job as mine inspector in 1970s; changes in mining; coping with mining underground; using the glenie lamp; miners' diseases; Huntly coal compared to West Coast coal; uses of different types of coal; disposal of slack; establishment of carbonisation works; managers' accomodation; hydraulic mining at Bennydale. Venue - Ngaruawahia Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - Robert Andrews' home at 55 Old Taupiri Road, Ngaruawahia Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 726 - also contains excerpts of tape transcripts. Search dates: 1992

Date: 3 July 1993 - 03 Jul 1993

From: Women in a Mining Town, Waihi 1883-1993, Oral History Project

By: Ashman, Daisey Frances Mildred, 1920-2008

Reference: OHInt-0067/008

Description: Daisey Frances Mildred Ashman (nee Memeott) born Waihi. Outlines family background - father came from Broken Hill, Australia. Recalls: school life; father's work in mine and a big accident; work experience as a housekeeper before marriage and community spirit when she was growing up. Describes what Waihi was like and the dangers of the mineral water. Talks about the Depression. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Waihi Other - limited biographical information available Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth Venue - Waihi Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005831B; OHV-0269B Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1644.

Date: 23 Mar 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: Bullock, Cora Maude, 1923-; Bullock, Charles, 1922-

Reference: OHInt-0020/13

Description: Charles Bullock recalls earliest memory, replacing kerosene lights with electricity; travelling around the district in the Rotowaro Band; working in the mine on the bends of the rope-roads, pit top, clipping, trucking and on face; effect on health; arguments with management; disputes over wet time; making up weight illegally in skips; management avoiding dust time; comparison of Rotowaro and Pukemiro mines; more on deputies; compares pay between mines; travelling to the mine; hours worked; compares work in mines then and now. Cora Bullock describes Rotowaro School; Pukemiro Junction; going to the technical institute in Ngaruawahia; walking long distances; hours worked at home; working at the Rotowaro Post Office; facilities at Rotowaro; scavaging bottles as a child in the Depression (1930s); going to movies in Huntly as teenager; dances; billiard room in old Rotowaro Hall and alcohol. Charles Bullock talks about sneaking alcohol into dances; the Glen Afton disaster and accidents and deaths at Rotowaro; falls in the mine; removing pillars; exemption from war service; Welsh miners singing; working in the Huntly East Mine; putting up power poles at Rotowaro and the carbonisation works. Cora Bullock discusses the flax mill at Rotowaro; raising children; the Country Women's Institute; the medical service at Rotowaro; the 1951 strike; shifting house, local Maori families. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - 200 Hakanoa Street, Huntly Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004402 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.28 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 733 - also contains excerpts of tape transcripts.

Date: 27 Jan 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: McGilp, Donald James, 1912-2004

Reference: OHInt-0020/01

Description: Don McGilp gives biographical details; childhood; time in Athenree, early 1920s; first job in the new Macdonald mine; system of allocating jobs; pay systems; shot holes; relationships with deputies; accidents in mines; the Renown pit in 1932; description of FTC raid in Huntly; conditions during the Depression. Describes buying own equipment; the pillar workings; underviewers; union agreements; wastage; more about accidents; reference to Alan Baxter; reference to Alison mine, Pukemiro mine; work of union 'check inspector'; disputes for wet time; using horses at Glen Afton mine; special shiftmen at Rotowaro and Macdonald mines; reasons for move to Rotowaro mine; job in sugar factory; demand for miners during World War II; strike of 1942. Discusses the 1951 strike; emergency regulations; opencasters scabbing; police; support from railway workers; poaching of sheep; description of British mining; theory about Russian situation; good points about mining as job; formation and demise of Labour Party; social life in Huntly; Pukemiro miners and their medical system; the closure of Rotowaro; being unable to buy a house at Rotowaro; the effects of coal dust on miners; advantages of coal range over electric stove; eleven killed at Glen Afton mine in 1939. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - Donald McGilp's home at 21 Harlick Place, Huntly Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004386 - OHC-004387 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.57 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 721 - contains excerpts of transcripts of tapes.

Date: 11 Mar 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: Scurr, David Leslie, 1907-1993

Reference: OHInt-0020/10

Description: David Scurr recalls father who worked as miner in England, South Africa and Australia before New Zealand; father in the 1913 Denniston strike; Golden Queen Gold Mine; flooding in Rotowaro; local Maori; going to school at Huntly; mail; bread and meat deliveries; first car on road from Pukemiro (ca 1920); dances and movies at Pukemiro; reference Mr Munro and establishment of Rotowaro store; delivering goods with horse and cart; first butcher's shop in Rotowaro; brother killed in mine accident; reference mine manager, Mr Ralph Cohen. Talks about various members of family; mining on the West Coast; Ralphs Mine; mothers work as midwife; houses in Rotowaro; Mrs Scurr talks about teaching at Rotowaro School; Maori farming; football; entertainment at Rotowaro; reference Cooper Awa; alcohol restrictions restrictions for Maori; policing the pa. Describes how Pukemiro and other mines were found and established; the Ralph family; Munroe's Store; connection with Pukemiro store; doing deliveries; general store at Seddonville; church and community at Seddonville; working winch at top of mine; spragging wheels; a fire at Rotowaro ca 1923; haircuts; more on West Coast mining; the Huntly Extended Mine; different levels of management jobs and qualifications; mining a 20 foot seam. Discusses old mining techniques; dangers of firing shot improperly; story about manager who became inspector and condemned his own mine; Canadian mining techniques and machinery; future of coalmining; cleaning the boilers at Rotowaro; haulage and installation of transformers to change from direct current to alternating current; farming during the Depression (1930s); clearing the land; learning to farm; problems of mines under farm; problem getting compensation; importance of good rope in mine; working the backshift; problems selling farm. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - 36b Bailey Street, Huntly Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004398 - OHC-004399 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 730 - also contains excerpts of tape transcripts.

Date: 31 Mar 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: McCallum, John Kirk, 1904-1993

Reference: OHInt-0020/16

Description: Jock McCallum describes coming to Rotowaro; sports teams; using horses in Rotowaro No 1 Mine; payrates and work expenses; walking; meeting wife at dance; getting sacked in 1951; shops at Rotowaro; getting train to Huntly; going to Huntly Working Men's Club; cigarettes in the mines; glenie lamps and mines rescue station; building a road in the Depression (1930s); fate of brothers; being in home guard in World War II; mates in the coal mines; people killed at Renown Mine. Recalls board and pillar mining; shooting tops; extracting coal; ventilation; buying house at Rotowaro; starting at Renown; local Maori; holidays, fishing; mother's work; the 1951 strike; working in retirement; example of underviewer that he didn't get on with. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - Karolie Rest Home, 251 River Road, Hamilton Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004405 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.16 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 736 - also contains excerpts of tape transcripts.

Date: 24 Feb 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: Spence, John William, 1913-; McCallum, Andrew Shepherd, 1924-

Reference: OHInt-0020/04

Description: Jack Spence and Mick McCallum outline biographical details; Jack Spence's first job installing electric wiring at Pukemiro; importing coal from Australia in 1930s; poor pay during the Depression (1930s); layoffs; disposing of slack; dangerous fires; putting out fires; making direct current power, alternating power introduced; rectifers; enjoyment of job; practical jokes in mine; hand boring holes; floor lifting from coal pressure; shortage of truckers; contract mining; increases in truckers' wages; Mick's sister's work; opening of the bowling club, 1957; Rotowaro in finals of Chatham Cup (soccer); drinking homebrew; kids playing in bush. They recall shops in town, the bakery; dances; going to Huntly on payday; fights on the return train; reference to Eddie Awa selling kumara at school; reference Tumate Mahuta; out of towners coming to mines to escape going to World War II; accidents; pre-arranged accidents; the working day; the trains; house builders; Jack Spence in the local band; early cars; horse transport; farming miners; entertainment; illegal gambling; lack of crime; Jack at Alison Mine; wages and redundancies at Dairy Company mines; the English; trains; the carbonisation works. They talk about the immigration of Scottish mining families to Rotowaro; reference to Rona Scurr, early teacher; earliest houses and roads in Rotowaro; the post office; striking during World War II and the start of government controlled mines; split in the village due to the 1951 strike; Huntly power station; comparison of amount of gas found in mines; relations with deputies; the home guard in Rotowaro; more on carbonisation works. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - 29 Hakanoa Street, Huntly Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004390 - OHC-004391 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.58 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 724 - also contains excerpts of tape transcripts.

Date: 06 Apr 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: Bourke, Thomas Owen, 1922-1998; Jones, Rhys Owen, 1917-; Pitkin, Jack, 1903-

Reference: OHInt-0020/18

Description: Jack Pitkin, Rhys Jones and Tom Bourke recall the train at Huntly West during blackout; working the Extended Mine; hats and carbide lamps; the Ralph's Mine disaster; pumping water from Extended Mine; pay rates; buying equipment; the blacksmith in mine; shops in Huntly in 1920s and early days in Huntly; Jack Pitkin's accident; mining high seams at Extended; speed of skips; Jack Pitkin's first impression of mining. Describe relations with deputies; the closing of Extended Mine; the strikes of 1913; other strikes; reference to Alan Baxter and wet time; extracting pillars; not being allowed to go to war; Rhys Jones caught in fall; wearing binders; skip filling records; advantage of left and right hand combination of miners; taking on new miners; controlling cavels; working on old horse road at Rotowaro; working Saturdays; the miners' train from Huntly to Rotowaro; restrictions and rations in World War II; fire fighting and Hill 60 explosion; two miners who got killed at Rotowaro; early head gear. Discuss a Maori artist in mine; more on Extended; contact with Rotowaro; Rotowaro playing in Chatham Cup (soccer); stealing gear from mines; power supply at Rotowaro; the winch house; the 1951 strike, blowing up of bridge, getting supplies, quality of union leadership, length of strike, use of vegetable garden for survival; the depression (1930s); an alcoholic doctor in Huntly; sports injuries and claiming compensation from mine; pay; more on doctors; toilets and rats in mine; using carbide lamps; Davies safety lights; Rotowaro and Alison mines cavelling together. Talks about using horses at Rotowaro; big shovels; a horse that worked Roose's Mine; small co-operated mines; bathhouse stories; the train to and from Huntly; working a skip tumbler; tricks and characters; a relief fund meeting; reference to Bessie Watson (worked in office); getting manpowered; dangers of being in mine at night; changing shifts. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - 6b Alexandra Street, Huntly Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004407 - OHC-004408 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 738 - also contains excerpts of tape transcripts.

Date: 14 August 1993 - 14 Aug 1993

From: Women in a Mining Town, Waihi 1883-1993, Oral History Project

By: Jones, Dorothy Mary Amelia, 1915-2007

Reference: OHInt-0067/062

Description: Dorothy Jones born Paeroa. Aged 4 years when father got job in mine and moved to Waihi. Describes home and lifestyle. Reference to blacksmith, Mr Armour, an old identity in Waihi. Recalls memories of mining accident - 8 men who were in cage were killed. Talks about school, with reference to Miss Patterson and Miss Atkins. Married a Papakura man who worked in garage in Tauranga, earning two pounds and ten shillings (sterling) per week and compares it with today's standards. Gives prices - rent, food etc. Husband got panelbeating business in Waihi. Talks about involvement with Women's Institute of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers for 50 years and describes changes in those years. Also talks about community work. Feels there is no environmental problem with mining. Recalls father died at the age of 73 years from Minersitis (Lung disease) and describes symptoms. Talks about Mr Brown, who during Depression gave food parcels. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Waihi Other - limited biographical information available Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth Venue - Waihi Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005863A; OHV-0279D Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1270.

Date: 15 May 1997

From: Neville Lambert Memorial oral archive

By: Maher, W P, 1912-

Reference: OHInt-0585/27

Description: W P (Bill) Maher born Denniston 1912. Recalls fire in coal mine at Millerton in 1926 and four killed including father, when attempting to open up again a year later. Talks about Teacher pupil year at Granity School, before going to Christchurch Training College. Describes transport from Greymouth to Christchurch. Refers to Depression and how it affected teaching positions. Recalls teaching at Nelson Central with fifty eight students in one class. Mentions corporal punishment. Other topics discussed include: teaching position at Waiuta, a goldmining area, between Greymouth and Reefton, which he describes in detail; Country Library Service; teachers' dress; intelligence and spelling tests; Beacon readers and Progressive readers; In-service training; Inspectors and warning by bush telegraph; dental nurse and school health nurses with reference to polio vaccinations. People mentioned include: Mr George Overton; Mrs Henderson; Miss Nimmo; Mrs Wynn; June Moseley; John Sutherland; Bernie Wilson; Les Holmes and Janice Rasmussen. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Abstracted by - Ann Packer Interviewer(s) - George Skinner Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008946-008949; OHLC-004596-004598 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2784.

Date: 08 Apr 1994 - 08 Aug 1994

From: Greater Green Island oral history project

By: Burt, Catherine Ann, 1912-1995

Reference: OHInt-0616/06

Description: Catherine Ann Burt (nee Barclay) born Green Island 1912. Gives family background. Talks about several coal mines which were served by rail and mentions explosion at Christie Mine and Scurr's mine, also refers to Bun, the mine pony. Describes family home, use of candles and kerosine lamps, making soap from dripping and other domestic chores. Other childhood recollections include: discipline; use of flour bags for clothes; games played by children; Sunday school; Christmas; Peace Day (1918); Green Island School; Influenza (1918) and unemployment project to find gold quartz at Saddle Hill during Depression. Describes community support to those in need and refers to unmarried mothers and widows and how they were viewed. Recalls involvement of Green Island School at New Zealand South Seas Exhibition 1925-1926. Talks about own work in office of J M Fraser and nursing at Chest hospital (Pleasant Valley), giving details of treatment for tuberculosis. Talks about heavy snowfall (1939). Briefly talks about Abbotsford slip. Interviewer(s) - Glenys Whittington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-010060-010064 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 4.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3356.