It is with deep regret that I have to record the loss of 38 lives at Montagu View Colliery, situated at Scotswood, in the county of Northumberland, owned by Messrs. W. Benson and Son, Ltd.

This disaster is the worst that has occurred in the Division for a number of years, and was caused by an inrush of water into the workings of the Brockwell Seam at almost the lowest point in the colliery. The accident happened about 10.30 a.m. on Monday, 30th March, in a district known as Robson's Bord Flat, following the firing of three shots by the deputy in charge.

New pumping plant had to be installed, and the last body was not recovered from the mine until 19th October.

The water broke in from the old Paradise Pit, Brockwell Seam workings, which had been abandoned about the year 1848.

The circumstances of this accident were the subject of a special inquiry by the Right Hon. H. P. Macmillan, K.C., with H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines acting as Assessor. The inquiry was held on 26th and 27th January, 1926, at the Moot Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne. The report* of the inquiry was published in April, 1926.

A relief fund was opened by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and met with a ready response by the general public.

* Report on the Causes of and circumstances attending the Inrush of Water which occurred at the View Pit of the Montagu Colliery, Scotswood, Northumberland, on 30th March, 1925. by the Right Hon. Hugh Pattison Macmillan, K.C. (Cmd. 2607).

• Mines Inspectors Report into the 1925 Montagu View Pit Disaster (Cmd 2607)

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