Pike River temperatures continue to fluctuate

Pike River Mine. Photo / Greymouth Star

Temperatures inside the Pike River Coal mine continue to fluctuate, frustrating those charged with retrieving the bodies of 29 men killed in a series of explosions since November 19.

Superintendent Gary Knowles - the police officer in charge of the retrieval operation - today said temperatures in the West Coast mine had fluctuated by more than 100degC. The lowest had been in the 30s, he said.

"The temperature is far from stable and we've still got the issue of gas underground," Mr Knowles said.

Methane levels in the mine are being monitored.

Work was also being carried out to get more drilling done and get grouting around the ventilation shaft, he said.

Both activities were weather dependent.

Mr Knowles reiterated that it would be some time before the mine was considered safe enough to enter - if at all.

"As I've said all along, we are not going to risk further lives to stage a re-entry. Safety of the crews working at the mine remains paramount," he said.

Meanwhile, a New York policeman who became famous for singing at funerals and commemorations after the terrorist attacks on New York on September 11, 2001, will sing for the families and community of the victims.

Tenor Daniel Rodriguez and his wife, New Zealand soprano Marla Kavanaugh, will perform at a free concert in Greymouth's Holy Trinity Church on January 22.

The line-up also includes Kavanaugh's identical twin, Marissa, her mother, former Mobil Song Quest winner Kathi Craig, TV actress and singer Lisa Chappell (McLeod's Daughters) and popular vocalist Will Martin.

All the artists are contributing their services free.

Mr Rodriguez was a New York police officer with a glorious singing voice who was caught up in the events of September 11, 2001. He survived the terrorist attacks and sang at the funerals of more than 100 police and fire brigade colleagues, as well as a special televised remembrance ceremony at Yankee Stadium which followed 9/11.

Mr Rodriguez studied with Placido Domingo, one of the Three Tenors, and now sings throughout America and Europe.

- NZPA