THE HUNTLY EXPLOSION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 45, 9 October 1914, Page 6

THE HUNTLY EXPLOSION.

TODAY'S. EVIDENCE. Auckland, October 9. The inquiry into explosion at Ralph's mine was continued:at Huntly to-day. ,Boydj.Eennie^,recalled, stated jil\at only,one.seriQus.,burningacci-> dent in Ralph's mine was,reported to him and none lvejexepp-rted.from the Extended, mine! 'The-- information about, the accident to Conn.and Wjlcoxwas given to him voluntarily. He found tvvo accumulations.of gas in ,the old workings of'.Ralph's mine at 212 cubic feet in one place and 550 cubic ture-of about six per cent. Some time 'later he interviewed the management •of'Ralph's mine, and informed theru that they should use safety lamps and appoint shot firers'. He did not know of the letters .that had passed between the inspector and the UnderSecretary of Mines. He had had a conversation with Inspector Frank Reed about Ralph's mine, but having aimore intimate knowledge of the mine, he (Bennie) regarded his own opinion as superior, and having no authority to receive instructions from the inspecting engineer he acted on his own opinion.

Sfr Wilford,: "And-the disaster fol lowed."

Continuing, witness said a full shift was employed in tlie Extended mine to-day, but a reduction of hands- would take place almost.- immediately, giving effect to the notice by the management jthat work should be 'suspended until permitted.explosives could be oh. tained from England. ■y '