The First Mill Was Destroyed By Fire July 28, 1923

Seven men were in the Mine as fire started in the Mill just after lunch.

William Canfield, Cecil Hartling and George Jewers recall that Foreman Alex Gullens had gone into the Mine with seven miners after lunch.

The fire, which started from the diesel engine which ran the hoist or mill (there were two engines), raged for hours and consumed the Mill and headframe. Each time the miners climbed up the shaft they were forced to return to the bottom 110 feet below. They soaked jute bags in water found in a sump and built a brattice with wet sacks sewn together with nails, as well as using a wet bag over the face as a filter or gas mask.

Cecil Hartling estimates they waited about two hours before the fire spent itself out and they were able to climb out. Men on the Surface were throwing buckets of water into the shaft and the falling water brought welcome fresh air with it.

A close call but all came through it apparently none the worse.

(Taken from the book 'Malagash Salt', first published in 1975)