MINES COMMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 193, 15 August 1911, Page 4

MINES COMMISSION.

SITS AT THAMES. (By Telesrnpi.—Own Correspondent.) THAME?, this day. The Mines Commission took the evidence of miners yesterday at the Thames Courthouse. The examinations were conducted by Messrs. Dowgray and Parry, as representatives of the workers, and the cross - examination by Messrs. Molyneaux, Cochrane and Reed. Eight witnesses gave evidence, and all agreed there was room for improvement in the matter of ventilation and the sanitary appliances in the Thames mines. It was pointed out that efficient ventilation was especially necessary at Thames owing to the prevalence of gas, which was stated to be the chief cause of miner's complaint. Several witnesses employed in the crosscut at 1000 ft. expressed the opinion that the present system of ventilation there was not efficient. As a preventive of accidents in mines, it was recommended by the witnesses that firing by electricity should be adopted where more than five holes were to be discharged. It was also recommended that baths should be provided in the change houses at the mines for the men when they came off shift. The Mines Commission is visiting local mines to-day, with the object of examining into system of ventilation, Banitary conditions, etc. So far the evidence called at the Thames showed that ventilation

had improved greatly, though owing to exceptional conditions, due to the sudden and unexpected inrush of noxious gases, the ventilation problem was a difficult one. With regard to deep levels, it was admitted that those at the head of affairs were doing tlieir best to overcome the difficulties. Improved sanitary conditions were urged, also gates on cages, and a standard temperature in hot, uncomfortable places.