THE HUNTLY DISASTER

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2398, 2 March 1915, Page 6

THE HUNTLY DISASTER

CHARGE VOF MANSLAUGHTER. AGAINST THE MINE MANAGER. (By Belesrann.—wess AssoolatfoiiJ ( Hamilton, March 1. In Lis charge to the Grand Jury at tie opening of the Supreme Court this morning, Mr. Justice Cooper traversed • at length the' manslaughter charge against Hotelier, iiaine manager, at Runtly. After placing the broad features of the indictment■ before them, His Honour said the case was of 'great importance and it was the duty ot the jury to go carefully into.the evidence . to seo if a" prima, facie ease were made out.' Miners and all underground workera were entitled to all the-protection which Bcience' proved could be given to minimise the danger attending- such a dangerous occupation. They were entitled to have it for their own protection and to have the duties cast upon those in authority satisfactorily performed. There were indications in this case-that those duties had not been done, and the question. -Wa» whether the mine-manager was to ba held'responsible for the ensuing result. If a true bill were returned, accused would have an opportunity of showing the jury that the duties had been properly performed. The case was one which should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of ■ the. mine manager, the miners, and the public generally. If a true bill were returned a special/ jury would take the case and see that complete justice was done to all.