HUNTLY MINE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1918, Page 2

HUNTLY MINE TROUBLE.

A POSSIBLE SETTT.TMENT.

AUCKLAND, Feb. 11

Air Bennie, Government Inspector of Alines, in a report on the Taupiri Extended Mines, says he failed to find ; trace of fire-damp, or black damp. Three roads into the. section were all examined, and in two there was no danger observable.. In the third then is a fall of the roof coni, and sign oi heating due to spontaneous combustion ; but no indications that there is fire, there, or in other places. Certainly no fire is to he seen. With a view to preventing the mine from fire this section can be flooded, and portions completely isolated, preventing Ihe escape of any gases, ac-cumulating there. At the time of the) inspection, there was no apparent danger to the safety of tile mine, or to the workmen in resuming work in other parts of the mine. Union officials state that the Check Inspectors will visit the mine at eight oYilock to-morrow, and tlieir report will govern the situation as far as the Union is concerned.

The Check Inspectors, and the Government Inspector agree that when No. 6 section is submerged all possibility of danger will be eliminated. It is expected that the section will be flooded to-morrow or Wednesday. Work, if is anticipated, should therefore he lesumed on Wednesday or Thursday.

Air "Reed. Chief Inspector, arrives on Thursday.