Big crowd mourns miner

About 1000 people packed into St Patrick's Catholic Church in Greymouth yesterday for the funeral of a man killed in a mining accident.

Bernard Green, 47, died on Friday after a shaft collapsed 800m underground at the Roa mine near Blackball, 30km from Greymouth.

All the church's 550 seats were filled, and mourners packed the foyer and annexes to capacity.

Mr Green's wife, Greymouth police constable Rose Green, his four sons and daughter were present.

Mr Green was part of the mine rescue team and members spoke of how the former national rugby league representative - nicknamed "Hurgi" after Hercules - was strong, capable and tough.

- NZPA