STRONGMAN MINE

Grey River Argus, 14 May 1945, Page 4

STRONGMAN MINE

Danger of Fire MINERS’ STAND FOR PRECAUTIONS. On Saturday morning the men engaged at the Strongman State colliery returned home. For some time past, the miners have been apprehensive regarding the danger of fire outbreaks in the mine, their opinion being that this risk has considerably been accentuated by the presence of large quantities of loose coal that are lying in the old workings, which coal, owing to its nature, is liable to spontaneous combustion. On February 19 last, on the occasion of a conference held at the mine, the officials of the Union expressed their desire that the danger be removed by having .this loose coal filled o away from the mine. There were present at the conference. Messrs C. H. Benney (Coal Controller), Hon. A. McLagan (United Mine Workers’ National Secretary), J. Dowgray, Carson, E. P'rendiville (members of the Coal Council), C. H. Strongman (Superintendent of State Mifles), H. Hadcroft (Deputy-Superintendent of State Mines), and J. Adamson (Mine Manager). In accordance with the express wish of the Union, instructions were given for the management to proceed immediately with the filling away of the loose coal in question. Since then, however, fires have occurred at the mine on two occasions in the loose coal accumulations. The local official check inspectors nave reported to the Union that they have not been satisfied with the efforts put forward by the management to eliminate the danger of fires occurring, the coal not having been removed as directed. Yesterday morning the matter was considered by the Union at a. mass meeting, and it was resolved that the policy of the Union should be forthwith put In4o operation, and the loose coal menace be removed.