Mining Disasters

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 10, 12 May 1911, Page 14

Mining Disasters

MKN'S LEADERS CONFRONT MR. CHUROKIL.L.At an interview between the deputation from the Jvxecutive Committee ot the Mili-ers' Federation and IV!r. Churchill, an exchange understands that tue following demands were made on behalf of th-o men: — (1) An increase in the inspectorate by the appointment of a new class of inspectors selected from men •with practical knowi-eage 01 coalgetting- 00 More stringent regulation, of tne vis© of electricity m mines. (3; The unproved ventilation of the workings. i.4) More drastic, powers as to working m nery mines where dangers exist of explosions from coal-dust and tire-damp. On the question of the appointment of a new class of inspectors, ivir. hill has already promised that a number of sub-insaectors shall be appointed of the class asked for, but it is stated that be is not prepared, to restrict such appointments to men. actually working in the mines. With reference to the u&e of electricity in mines, it was urged that wherever electricity wat used there should be the tulgt safe<mards for th,e protection of tne and tao safety of the The serious questions oi coal-dust and fir?-damp we?e discussed in their boarfnSTipon the disasters, of at Whibehaven and tne Hulton Colliery It was also urged that the investigation on the explosive nature o± by the Royal Commission on Mining Accidents should be as thorough as possible.