WHY THE SHAG POINT MINERS STRUCK.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2288, 17 July 1880, Page 3

WHY THE SHAG POINT MINERS STRUCK.

One of the _ grievances of the Shag Point Coal Miners, that their lives and health were at stake, has been proved beyond a doubt in spite of the denials of the manager. The report of the Inspector who was instructed to examine the mine on behalf of the Government lias been presented to Parliament. Inspector Sinus states

that every principal of ventilation is disregarded, ami the men are not supplied wilh cool and wholesome air. On the 2nd of July the quantity of air was only half enough for the ordinary number of men employed. At the time of tbc report (July 5), there were only a few men in the mine, the others being on strike. The directors expressed a wish to do anything necessary to remedy the ventilation and to put the mine in order, and the recommendations would be carried out in all speed. With a resident inspector such a state of things could not have occurred, and will not be repeated when Mr Binns takes charge of the district. The existence of gobfiro in old workings prevents ventilation, and caused the illness of the men. These fires are difficult to deal with, and less understood than any mining phenomenon. One existed in the Shag mine for years, and has been allowed to communicate with the present working, the stink incapacitating some men from work. There is no danger from explosion. Carbonic acid gas is the only known way to cure the fire. If this fire is not effectually shut off it will be a never-ending source of trouble. This has been agreed to be done.