Pike River: Symbolic tables evoke spirits of lost miners

Photographs of the miners in happier times were featured among the mementoes at yesterday's memorial service. Photo / Mark Mitchell

They began as 29 small, unremarkable tables. But yesterday each came alive with a face, memories and personalities of 29 dead miners.

With no bodies yet recovered, the tables symbolising each of the men who lost their lives in the Pike River mine tragedy were the focal point for about 11,000 people coming together to grieve.

Through photographs and poignant items laid out on those tables by the men's families before the remembrance service at Omoto Racecourse near Greymouth, we were given an insight into all of these 29 men.

Sam Mackie's table had toy trains, Terry Kitchin's a Whittakers chocolate bar, Glen Cruse and Kane Nieper their surfboards, John Hale's a guitar, Richard Holling's the book Letters from America, Francis Marden's a replica sword, Michael Monk's a tap beer dispenser, Ben Rockhouse's a bottle of Sweet Thai Chilli Sauce and a gorilla costume.

Rugby jerseys, balls and trophies pointed to their pursuits on the sports field, and bottles and cans of alcohol across many of the tables hinted at their liking for an after-match drink.

Alongside Milton Osborne's deputy chief firefighter helmet was a written message from daughter Alisha.

"Being your daughter in the time you were with me was a privilege," the message read.

"From the time we sang our golden duets to just the casual game of darts. I will miss your country bloke sense of humour and your soft good nights. I'm just so happy that the last thing I said to you was 'night Dad, I love you', as I was walking to my bedroom door. You replied 'night, Leish, love you too'."

The Rev Tim Mora, who led yesterday's service, summed it up when he said the men came alive for him as he walked past the tables.

"And in a very real sense these men are here with us today because of these tables."

Prime Minister John Key gave a personal assurance to mothers of children who had lost fathers. He pointed out that he himself had grown up without a father.

"It's a terrible thing to happen. But it doesn't mean your children will not go on to live happy, worthwhile and fulfilling lives and, in time, experience joyfulness and love in new families, yet to be created."

Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall said yesterday was a day of remembrance "as every day will be from now on".

Relatives of the dead men, given privacy in the racecourse's main grandstand at yesterday's service, wept quietly as the names of the 29 were twice read aloud and photographs of the men were shown on large screens.

In the hours building up to the service - in hot sunshine - there was almost the festive feel of a day out at the races.

The thousands poured in past the ageing racecourse buildings in their sunglasses and hats - some dressed up in suits and dresses, others in shorts and T-shirts in the typical laid-back West Coast style.

It was when the service began with two minutes' silence that the mood instantly changed. Stoic West Coasters sitting in temporary grandstands or standing on the grass hugged each other and wept.

The 90-minute service was followed by an impromptu haka performed for the families who applauded loudly.

Wayne Kemp, a former Pike River miner who was friends with many of those who died, said the day was about celebrating the good times.

"The guys, they were happy, fun guys that liked to party and liked to live life. It's sad but coasters are pretty tough and we'll move on."