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If there are any survivors they have to be brought out via a new shaft that is commencing and will be record speed sinking job. It has been described by Mr. Brothers as a rescue shaft. Gen view shaft area in mealie fields. Manager of job of concrete work etc Mr. Walton arrives with bags to stay until job finished.



Brother, Walton and mines consulting engineer Dixon talking about days work. New shaft with reinforcing metal projecting. 12' dia this is the collar. other hole is for winding house. gen shots activity. down shaft at 12'. african workers swarm over earth pile to move it.



The administrator of the Orange Free State??? Mr. J. W. du Plessis visited the mine is seen at the drill rig. wears hat and sharp pointed beard. talking left Govt Mining Engineer Mr. Lynn Mercier, DuPlessis, Brother and borehole sinker McKenzie drill now at 131 feet. in very hard rock. Du Plessis then visited site of New Shaft a few shots there.




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Background: Everything now depends on the drill, will it find life or silence below there, special hard bits for it are on the way from USA and its hoped to get thru by early Thursday. The later stages are expected to go quickly. Then if life is found they will have to wait for the shaft to get them out.