EXPLOSIONS MAY BE DUE TO STONE IN COAL

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3614, 15 September 1927, Page 12

EXPLOSIONS MAY BE DUE TO STONE IN COAL

PRECAUTIONS AT MINES. (Per PrCss Association). WELLINGTON, Sept. 14. In consequence of the explosions that have been occurring recently in coa* used for domestic purposes, the deputy chief inspector of explosives, in conjunction tvitil a technical representative of an explosive company, made an inspection of the State and other mines on the West Coast. They also carried out experimeiits with a fire grate similar to a cottage grate and the conclusions arrived at point to the fact that most of the explosions that have recently occurred in the domestic use of coal may be attributed to the presence of stone in the coal, stones sometimes brushing with some violence and throwing portions a distance of 18 feet. It is possible, however, that in one or two cases explosions were caused bj explosives, but all possible precautions have, in their opinion, been taken at all times to prevent a recurrence oi this class of explosion. It has been decided that the regulations under the Coal Mines Act should be arqpndcd with a view to ensuring a thorough search for explosives in the case of misfire shots. Tho proposed amendments already have been put in operation in the State mines.