SAFETY IN MINES.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1922, Page 5

SAFETY IN MINES.

LAMPS AND EXPLOSIVES. PROSECUTIONS IN COURT. By Telegraph.—Presfe Association. Auckland, Last Night. Alexander Penman, a mine manager, was fined £2O and costs in the Police Court to-day for failing to use safety lamps in the Rotowaru mine. He pleaded guilty. Mr. Meredith, for the department, said small portions of gas had been found in the mine, and the owners were notified that safety lamps would have to be used. Subsequently the mine manager notified the inspector that he proposed leaving the safety lamps out with the exception of those in one place. He was warned that if the lamps were not put in a prosecution would follow.

Counsel for the defence said that for 4{i years naked lights had been used, except when developing headings. Gas had been found from time to time, but in such small quantities as not to be considered dangerous. Four informations were laid against Thomas Thomson, a mine manager, Henry Fox and a deputy, Thomas Young, of using explosives other than those permitted in the Waipa mine, such mine not being open and not naturally wet throughout. Mr. Meredith stated that during the war no objection was raised to the use oi gunpowder, as other explosives were difficult to procure, but the mine became dangerous under the methods adopted. The department, therefore, notified that only permitted explosives should be used, but the manager declined, saying theer was no necessity.

Evidence for and against the contention that the mine was not wet throughout was heard, defendahts pleading "not guilty”. The case was adjourned.