THE HUNTLY ENQUIRY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 38, 1 October 1914, Page 3

THE HUNTLY ENQUIRY.

EXPERT EVIDENCE REGARDING THE EXPLOSION.

£P*b Pbeb* Association ]

Huntly, September 30

The inquest on the Huntly victim: was resumed to-day, when expert evi deuce was taken,

The opinions of Mr Wood, manager of the Extended mine, Mr Bishop, late manager of the State mine, and Professor Dixon, all coincided as to the seat of the explosion being in the oki workings, where the body of J. Martin was found, badly burned, and with his clothes completely gone. All agreed that indications, pointed directly to Martin having caused the explosion by carrying a naked light where a recent fall of coal had occurred. Professor Dixon said that the amount of dust in Ralph’s mine was ordinarily described as small. He would, like to impress, however, that a large quantity of dust was not necessary for an explosion. With’ ordinary bituminous coal it was not easy to start an explosion. Concussion and intense flame were both required. Half-an-ounce ol coal dust'stirred up, in a cubic foot ol space, which would scarcely be noticeable in the air, was sufficient to cause an explosion. He bad made tests with six samples of coal dust from Ralph’s mine, and found it more inflammable than any he had ever tested. The report of the analysis of the New Zealand Government Analyst, mhmitted by Mr Bishop, showed that Huntly coal dust was very inflammable, and the flames of the ignited dust travelled greater distances than of the ordinary bituminous coal, such as Westport, Stockton, Aherdare. Such properties would render the coal dust very effective in carrying on and intensifying an explosion once started. The inquest was adjourned. It is expected to close to-morrow:, when the Government Commission on the disaster opens.