A work related tragedy
A recent tour of the Sydney Trades Hall and its history caused some thinking on Health and Safety issues and how they have improved incredibly over the years. I recalled the various inscriptions upon monuments in the Cemetery and it is one disaster that came to mind. BALMAIN COLLIERY DISASTER OF 1900 Coal was an essential component for 19th century industry. With seams in the Illawarra and Hunter areas it seemed logical that there would be coal under Sydney Harbour somewhere. If found this would be of great benefit to local industry and exporters. A Company, Sydney Harbour Collieries Ltd., was formed in England in 1896, acquired mining rights and started to explore. A seam was found near Cremorne Point, but it was decided that this area was not suitable for the heavy industry involved with coal mining and it was decided to access this seam from the suburb of Balmain. A site was selected at the corner of Birchgrove Road and Waters Street and work began in 1897 with the ...