Author(s): Harry Bell

Aotearoa New Zealand Non-Fiction

Former Southlander Harry Bell has written a book about his time as chief mines inspector around New Zealand – including at Ohai.

Starting as a young rope boy at Liverpool No 2 coalmine near Greymouth in 1948, he went on to manage other mines around New Zealand, including Strongman, Denniston and Huntly.

Now 88, his new book ‘From The Bottom, to the Top’ includes memories of all the near misses and disasters along the way.

One of the most memorable events was when he was called to Huntly when the underground mine caught fire.

After sealing off the mine’s return airway and clearing out all of the staff, the mine eventually exploded a day later, his decision to evacuate saving 40 to 50 men underground.

Bell also worked at Rewanui when the Strongman mine blew up, claiming the lives of 19 men.

Four decades later, he wanted to be on the Royal Commission into the Pike River disaster but could not, as he lost his nephew. So he joined with the families, helping their lawyers wade through the information.

Bell retired at 60 and now lives in Motueka, and has also made two trips to base camp at Everest, at 66 and at 77.