28

24.

Thomas Bickle, miner. Sworn:- By Mr. Potts:- You assisted at the rescue of the miners on the 15th of July? A: Yes. Q: What time? A: Between 7 and 8 sometime. Q: Did you go into the Second South Level? A: Yes I was there. Q: Did you make any search of that level? A: I made no search at all, I simply helped to take out the dead bodies. Q: Did you see any pit lamps or open safety lamps there? A: I didn't see any pit lamps. I saw a safety lamp but it was locked. I think it was in No. 3, but I am not acquainted with the mine; it was the first time I ever went into it, and I didn't ask the number of the stalls. Q: Was it out? A: Certainly it was out. Q: Do you know whom it belonged to? A: I couldn't tell you that, sir. Q: It was in No. 3 stall? A: I wouldn't be certain as to the number. Q: Did you form any opinion as to the cause of the explosion? A: I couldn't tell you; I couldn't form any opinion at all as I didn't go inside the places. I kept outside, taking the dead bodies up. I might have been at the bottom of the places, relieving some of the men carrying up the stretcher, but I never went into the faces of the places.

Thomas Bickle.

Taken upon oath and acknowledged this 14 day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and three, before me,

James Abrams,

Coroner.

BC Archives GR-0431 Box 6 File 3

BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.