THE MOUNT KEMBLA DISASTER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 119, 22 May 1903, Page 3

THE MOUNT KEMBLA DISASTER.

FINDING OF THE COMMISSION.

Press Association. Electric Telegraph.

Copyright. Keceivea May 22, 10 a.m. Sydney, May 22.

The Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the Mount Keinbla disas tec find that it was caused by a fall in the 35acre waste, which drove an inflammable mixture of jßre-aamp air down to the right main level of the northern extremity. The mass leached a wheeler's light in an over-diluted state, but as soon as the mixture was rich enough to burn came in contact with the light. A. flash of flame rau back, starting its destructive action by igniting the whole body, which was made more violently explosive by the presence of coal dust raised by the first blast; thus the centre of force showed itself at the centre of the explosion, not at the ignition point. This conclusion is at variance with the coronial finding. The Commission found that the work of inspection of the wastes was perfunctory; instead of being performed weekly ib was per formed monthly ; and thought Rogers, whose duty ib was to see that this was done, was deserving of censure. It was regrettable that this breach of the rules had, escaped the notice of the Government inspectors. The use of caked lights is condemned ; it could be said with absolute certainty that if they had not been used the disaster would have been prevented.