HUNTLY TRAGEDY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23487, 26 October 1939, Page 13

HUNTLY TRAGEDY

ROYAL COMMISSION INQUIRY INTO CAUSE SUGGESTION FOR FUTURE WORKING OF EXISTING TJAW [RY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] "WELLINGTON, Wednesday A Royal Commission to inquire into and report upon the accident which occurred on September 24 at the Glen Afton mine, resulting in the loss of 11 lives, has been appointed. The members are: —M'r. S. L. Paterson, S.M., of Hamilton, chairman; Mr. J. C. Brown, of Wcstport, retired mine manager; Mr. J. Dowgray, of Granity, retired colliery official; Mr. T. 0. Bishop, of Wellington, secretary of the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners' Association; Mr. A. McLagan, of Greymouth, secretary of the United Mine Workers' Federation of New Zealand. The commission has been set up 'tor the purpose of inquiring into the cause of the accident and into the working of tlio existing law in respect to the prevention of such accidents. Under tho order of reference the commission is to inquire into tho cause of the underground fire which was found to have occurred in tho mine on September 24, to inquire to what extent the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1925, and the regulations made thereunder were complied with in tho mine, and more especially as regards the examination of the mine, ventilation, and electric wiring and equipment. Question of Inspection The commission will also inquire into tho nature and character of the working and general management of tlio mine and whether tlie mino was well and safely managed, into the efficiency of the inspection of the mine by all or any persons who are responsible for such inspection, and whether or not tho loss of life would have been averted or reduced had tho services of a rescue brigade or any additional equipment or any special apparatus been available at tho mine. Prevention of Accidents A suggestion is to be made by the commission for tlio prevention, as far as possible, of similar accidents, and for the safe working of this and other mines in the future, and it is generally to mako inquiry into any matter arising out of tho several subjects mentioned or which in the commission's opinion may be of assistance in fully ascertaining, explaining and arriving at a fair and just conclusion in respect to tho subjects of inquiry. The commission is to make inquiry into the working of the existing law in respect to the prevention of similar accidents, and to report whether any additional legislation is necessary and tho scope of same, and whether any amendment or addition to the regulations included in the existing law is required to provide reasonable and proper safeguards against such accidents. It is expected that the Po.val Commission will commence its inquiry about tlio middle of November. Its report is to I)e presented to the GovernorGeneral not later than December 8.