The Sun.
London, England, 1859-04-11 00:00:00

FRIGHTFUL COLLIERY ACCIDENT.

The Government Inspector of Colleries arrived at
the pit yesterday morning, and made a minute
inspection. We understand that he fully approved
of the temporary expedients resorted to to drain off
the water. Until this is done, nothing more can be
effected towards extricating the bodies that are now
submerged in the pit. In reference to the particu-
lar spot where the borers were engaged, we were
informed that every precaution was used as far as
human foresight could suggest. As soon as the
water is pumped out a searching investigation, no
doubt, will take place. Until then, it only remains
for us to add that the accident has, as might be
expected, caused a profound sensation, has evoked
a feeling of deep sympathy for those poor families
who have lost their all thereby, and has shed a
gloom over the whole district which will not soon
be dispelled.

LOSS OF TWENTY-FIVE LIVES.
(From the Cambrian.)
The painful and melancholy duty devolves on us
this week again to record another of those frightful
and heartrending colliery accidents which have
been of late years of frequent occurrence in the
mining districts of South Wales, particularly in
Glamorganshire. The scene of the present catas-
trophe, which has resulted in the death, by drown-
ing, of no less than 25 men and boys and several
valuable horses, was the Main Colliery, situate near
Bryncoch, a short distance from Duffryn House,
and about two miles from the town of Neath.
Tht colliery is the property of Messrs. Fox, Red-
wood, and Co., under whose enterprising auspices
it was re-opened about two years and a half ago,
and has since then been carried on by them with
much vigour and, until this untoward inundation,
with every promise of ultimate success.
The accident took place on Wednesday last. In
the morning, the men and boys, to the number of
80, descended the pit as usual, in the vigour of
-youth and manhood, with light hearts and that
buoyancy of spirits peculiar to the Welsh colliers,
little dreaming of the proximity of that destructive
element which was so soon to engulph them. Hav-
ing descended, the colliers repaired to their various
occupations—some to the headings, some to the
waggons, whilst others took their turns as explorers
of drifts. The object of the explorers of drifts was
Ito obtain an additional pit as an upcast shaft.
This, understand, was done at the suggestion of the
Government inspector, who objected to the men
having only one way of ingress and egress to the
colliery, as they were exposed to the smoke and
heat passing through the winding shaft. Things
went on smoothly until about eleven o'clock. At this
time, there were what is called two turns of borers,
three men in each turn. Whilst the borers were en-
gaged in driving in a southerly direction, they unfor-
tunately struck into the workings of an old colliery,
called the Fire Engine Pit. Although the proxi-
mity of these old workings was well known, still
there was not the slightest apprehension felt of any
danger arising therefrom, inasmuch as they had
been, it was supposed, thoroughly drained previous
to the re-opening of the Main Colliery. Indeed, so
confident were the men, we are told, that they
frequently ridiculed the idea of the old workings
being a source of danger to them after the precau-
tions which had been taken whilst they were being
drained, at the time already referred to. The old
workings, however, proved treacherous. In the
heading worked by Thomas Barker and Philip
Thomas the side bore hole came in contact with
them, and the water began to flow apace. The men
lost no time in attempting to plug the hole, but
their efforts soon proved fruitless. The water gained
on them with with a rapidity that completely
hurled them back by its volume and pressure. See-
ing the danger that now threatened them, the
alarm was given, and there was a general rush to
the mouth of the shaft, the only way of escape.
The usual danger signals having been exchanged
with those at the mouth of the pit, the engine was
brought into requisition, and not a moment lost in
bringing up the men. Expeditious as they were,
however, the flow of water was too impetuous for
them, for in a very short time it was found that
there was a perfect torrent pouring into the work-
ings and rapidly extending itself even to the mouth
of the shaft. Knowing that the water was thus
rapidly overwhelming everything at the only place
of escape, the anxiety of those above may be better
imagined than described. Tram after tram was
sent down with the greatest possible speed, and in
a short time 55 men and boys, and two horses, were
rescued. The number left in the pit is supposed to
be about 25, all of whom, it is feared, must havo
perished.
As soon as the news of the disaster extended, the
friends and relatives of the colliers repaired to the
spot. The scene that ensued was of the most heart-
rending description. Parents, brothers, sisters,
and friends, assembled in groups, mingled their
lamentations, rent the air with their cries, and
shed " the unavailing tear." In the midst of all
this, everything was done that art and practical
experience could suggest, by Mr. Graham, the
superintendent of the cutting, and those under him,
to drain the water. As soon as it was found that
no more men could be saved, two powerful engines
were set to pump, and the trams were converted
into water-tubs. These were sent up and down by
the engines with marvellous speed, and brought up
as many as 432 gallons per minute. Considering
that the cutting is 95 fathoms in depth, this was
deemed very good work. In addition to this,
another powerful engine was set in motion, which
pumped out 900 gallons per minute. By incessant
working, it was found that in 12 hours the water
was lessened about five feet. Yesterday, however'
we regret to find that the quantity underwent but
little diminution. As a proof of the mannerrapid
in which the pit got overflowed, we may mention
that, in two hours after the discovery of the acci-
dent, the water flooded the shaft to the height of
63 feet. By four o'clock it had reached 80
Some of the men and boys saved had a very
narrow escape. One boy saved himself by clinging
to a horses' tail. One horse having reached
the shaft in time, instinetiyel •
Y slumped in, as

one of the tubs reached the bottom. Another Reading. The prisoners are also supposed to be
horse did the same, and by clinging to his tail connected with a gang of Polish Jews who have
the lad saved his life. A man named William defrauded several of the fire insurance conpanies
Taylor succeeded in saving three boys whilst in the metropolis. The present was the third
they were plunging about in the bottom of the examination, and the court was crowded to excess
shaft. Another man was clutched whilst he was by members of the Jewish persuasion.
about to sink from sheer exhaustion. Poor Dor- Several witnesses having been examined_ the
man, the foreman, who was in the pit when the prisoners were again remanded.
water broke in, fell a victim whilst laudably en=
deavouring to warn and save others. He had, it
appears, ample time to escape, but in his anxiety to
aid his men, he himself found a watery pillow. He
was a most valuable servant, and his loss is much
felt. He has left behind him a wife and seven
children,

INDIAN FINANCE.

On Saturday copies ‘,,,ere issued of a financial
despatch from India, dated Feb. 22, and of a finan-
cial despatch to India, dated the 31st ult. The
latter is as follows :

"1. From your despatch dated Feb. 22, 1859,
No. 28, and the notification issued on February 21,
which accompanies it, her Majesty's Government
observe that you have now brought forward another
financial measure, viz., a loan of five crores, at an
interest of 51 per cent., to which subscriptions may
be paid, half in cash and half in five per cent. paper,
the same to be opened on the first May proximo ;
and that you have also resolved that, in place of the
issue of Treasury bills on the terms previously
notified, a new issue of those bills will take place
from the Ist May next, bearing interest at the rate
of 21 pies per cent. per diem.
"2. If the measure of a Five-and-a-half per Cent.
Loan be unsuccessful, you have intimated that you
will request her Majesty's Government to supply
the deficiency from England.
"3. The amount of your loan for 1859.60 has

seen fixed at five crores, exclusive of the sum that
may be realised from Treasury Bills, and your re-
quirements from the date of your communication,
sth February, 1859, to 30th April, 1860, in excess
of the revenue receipts is estimated at about 111
crores, including payments in India on account of
railways, but independent of any sums which may
have to be paid within the year on account of prize
money, or of compensation for losses sustained in
the mutiny. But this requirement of 114 crores is
based on the supposition that 12 crores will be held
in cash balance on Ist May, 1860, an amount which
you consider may possibly be reduced by- two crores,
in the event of tranquillity being maintained. As-
suming that you will be able to dispense with a
larger cash balance than 11 crore.l, and that the
increased customs and stamp duties should realise,
as estimated, within the year, an additional revenue
of one crore, your requirement will be reduced to
91- crores, of which you hope to raise five in India,
independently of any amount which may be bor-
rowed previous to 30th April next, air which may
be raised subsequently in Treasury Bills, or by
cash paid into the Five per Cent. Loan by English
holders of loan property under the arrangement of
which you were apprised by my despatch dated the
9th inst., No. 20.

"4. Under the circumstances of the present emer-
gency her Majesty's Government cannot hesitate to
support you with remittances to the full extent
which may be called for, though compliance with
your requisition compels them to apply to Parlia-
ment for further borrowing powers.
" 5. My despatch, dated the 16th March, apprised
you that a second million of bullion -would be im-
mediately remitted, so as to arrive, if p ossible, in the
course of the month of May, and that, if indispens-
able, a third million would be despatched. With
reference to the notification you hose now issued,
her Majesty's Government will tak e measures for
the supply of the third million w. ithout waiting
for any further communication from you, and they
will also be prepared to supply any s um which you
may fail to raise by your loan operat ions in India.
" 6. In the event of your finding that your esti-
mated receipt from loan in India is not likely to be
realised, her Majesty's Government desire that you
will give them prompt and early information of
the same.
7. They further desire that am e4imate of the
Indian receipts and charges for 1860-61 may be
prepared as soon as practicable, and_ that the same
be transmitted at such a date as will ensure its
being received here by the Ist Jam tary next.
" 8. Large as is the immediate defi .ciency of ways
smi tgh, e t
hr ea gtu
tl
ha re e
as tgi
gm r ae tge a ot
ef tr he
ee
eipts,
yearpts,
nloBtswB-i
tsh9_,
and means in the present year, it is satisfactory to
jfisutnasditidcfrlionog the unparalleled crisis t. hrough which.
India has just passed, are fully susta fined on com-
parison with former years. Her Majlesty's Govern-
ment admit the exceptional nature of this crisis,
and viewing the present embarrassn cents as result-
ing solely from the extraordinary r ailitary expen-
diture which has been necessitated, they fully rely
on your so carrying out the intentic )n expressed in
your notification of 21st February, of effecting
reductions in the present enormol LS war charges
as early and to as great an extent a s may be safe 2
soasto ensurenoNy, that
trust,
rtohset easltmo roast: o : nreoaflispeeda, ceshaanld
quietude, l
speedily have its natural effect on the Government
I
this
all well devised measure.;., having view, you yhoeur may
Majesty'srteyly,s receivingGonoverinnnt."
the cor-
fido
binaj, a,
le n9csupport