ACCIDENTS IN MINES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 846, 18 June 1910, Page 5

ACCIDENTS IN MINES.

LESSONS OF V/HITEHAVEN. NEW LEGISLATION FORESHADOAVED. By Telegraph—Press Associaf ion-Copyright. (Bcc. Juno 17, 10.30 p.m.) London, Juno 17. In tho Houso of Commons, Mr. Enoch Edwards, Labour member for Hanloy, initiated a debato on accidents in coalmines, j Several meinbors of the Labour party, who were colliers, made telling contributions to the discission. Mr. Winston Churchill, President of tho Board of Trade, paid a tribute to the.gallant efforts made to rescuo the victims of. tho recent Whitohaven pit disaster, in .which 133 lives were lost. Churchill stated that tho sealing up of the intake to tho pit did not prevent eseapo of those in the workings, as a return channel had been left open for . possible survivors. Tho experts were confident, however, that nono were alivo when' the intake was closed. Continuing, Mr. Churchill said the Home Office was considering schemes for preventing accidents in mines, including a proposal for increased inspectors. Every mine ought to -have a supply of breathing helmets, and the men should bo trained in their uso. There should also be a trained rescuo corps. It was intended to introduce a short Bill dealing with tho subject immediately.' Mr. Churchill concluded amid general cheers. Mr. Keir Hardio (Merthyr. Tydvil) declared that Mr. Churchill's speech would bring new hope to the miners?.