MINE MANAGERS IN COURT

Evening Star, Issue 17921, 17 March 1922, Page 8

MINE MANAGERS IN COURT

AT AUCKLAND YESTERDAY.

Alexander Penman, mine manager, was fined £2O and costs in the Police Court for failing to use safety lamps in the Rotowaru mine. The accused pleaded guilty. Mr Y. R. Meredith, for the department. said that 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. Ho was warned that if the lamps were not put in a prosecution would follow. Counsel for the defence said that for four and a-half 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 bo considered dangerous. Four informations were laid against Thomas Thomson (mine manager), Henry Fox, and Deputy Thomas Young for using explosives other than those permitted in the Waipa mine. Mr Meredith stated that during the war no objection was raised to the use of gunpowder, as other explosives were difficult to procure ; but a mine became dangerous under tho methods- adopted. The department, therefore, notified that only permitted explosives should be used. The manager declined, saying that there was no necessity. Evidence for and against tho contention that tho mine was not wet throughout was heard, the defendants pleading not guilty. Tho case was adjourned.