Local law firm to act for miners' families

Committee spokesman Bernie Monk,(R) who lost his son, said it was important the hearing be held in Greymouth so families could hear evidence first-hand. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A Greymouth law firm will represent the families of the men killed in the Pike River mine during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy.

The Pike River Families Committee said yesterday Hannan Seddon Law would act on behalf of the families, led by Christchurch barrister Nic Davidson, QC.

Committee spokesman Bernie Monk, who lost his son, said it was important the hearing be held in Greymouth so families could participate fully and hear evidence first-hand.

"The families and the mining industry must learn the full truth about this event, however complex and difficult that might be."

Meanwhile, torrential rain and high winds have hampered the operation to recover the bodies of the 29 mine workers who died last month.

Teams have been unable to enter the mine since the first explosion on November 19 and the possibility that the mine may have to be permanently sealed with the bodies of the men inside is becoming more likely.

Superintendent Gary Knowles, who is leading the operation, said a site inspection by Professor David Bell of Canterbury University confirmed efforts to neutralise gas could take months.

A Gorniczy Agregat Gasniczy (Gag) machine has been pumping water vapour into the mine for about three weeks to put out fires, while a nitrogen generator has been brought in from Australia to cool the mine.

Mr Knowles said sealing the mine permanently was likely if the two machines failed to neutralise the atmosphere and put the fire out.

Most families could accept that if they thought every possible effort had been made, the Rev Tim Mora, chairman of the Greymouth Ministers' Association, said yesterday.

Families have been told of payments in the short term with money from the relief fund to be distributed early next year. Spouses or partners of the dead will be paid $10,000 each, every child $2500 and parents $2500.

- NZPA