Plans to mark Brunner Mine disaster 130th

The 130th anniversary of the Brunner mine disaster will be marked on March 26 at the mine site and nearby Stillwater Cemetery.

The final death toll from the 1896 coal mine blast was 65 — and it remains New Zealand’s deadliest industrial accident. Fifty-three of the victims were buried at Stillwater.

The commemorations will begin at the mine site before moving to Stillwater.

Greymouth-born brothers Peter and Neville Roberts wanted to mark the occasion. Their great-grandfather, John Roberts, was killed in the blast, as were three of his sons: William, Samuel and David. Widow Margaret was left with four sons aged 12 and under.

Peter and his father, Lester, have extensively researched the disaster and their family history.

“In addition to the 65 deaths, there was one suicide — a friend who traded shifts to take his girlfriend to the pictures,” Peter said.

The Department of Conservation, which manages the site, got on board with the 130th anniversary plans, as did Grey District Deputy Mayor Allan Gibson and community project facilitator Zane Smith. Lake Brunner School principal Amanda Bailey also got involved. Runanga and Paparoa Range schools are also participating.

Mrs Bailey said plans are afoot to paint the Stillwater mass grave fence, where the youngest and oldest victims lie side by side.

The Roberts brothers have already water-blasted it.

An information board will be installed there, and the children will make a kiosk to help protect it.

In the lead-up, the children will visit the Brunner mine site, and Shantytown is also involved with history lessons.

Plans are being finalised for the anniversary, but Mayor Tania Gibson will speak at the mine site, as will Peter Roberts and other dignitaries.

“It brings the schools together and connects the children, as well as strengthens ties between the mine site and cemetery,” Mrs Bailey said.

There is no space for people to sit and reflect at the mine site, so the idea was born for a picnic table in the shape of a coal wagon. Mr Gibson is building this.

More information will be released closer to the time on the Lake Brunner School Facebook page.