BETTER SYSTEM WANTED

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11649, 13 October 1923, Page 6

BETTER SYSTEM WANTED

LICHTIKG COAL MINES DRY-BATTERY ELECTRIC LAMPS. Speaking to a “Times” reporter yesterday, Mr P. O’Rourke (secretary to the Now Zealand Miners’ federation) urged the need for some better system of lighting the coal mines throughout the Dominion. Mr O’Rourke explained the difference between the' lighting-power and the convenience in use of the ordinary oil eafety-lamp—an improvement on the old Davey safety-lamp—at present in use in the mines, and the 'Wheat lamp, one of the latest dry-battery electric mining-lamps. This lamn fastens very conveniently above the peak of the miner’s cap, and the small dry-battery is carried, knapsack-like, on the back, thus leaving both hands free for work; and it also gives a much better light than the oil-lamp. For inspecting the roof, stated Mr O’Rourke, the electric light offers very distinct advantages, as the mere act of the miner looking up at the roof directs the powerful light in that direction. In case of one light-bulb breaking or becoming burnt out, each lamp is fit fed with a reserve bulb, which can be immediately switched on. Ho claimed that this electric lamp should appeal to the mine-owners as well as to the miners, as it should prove a great advantage from the point of view of economy in production. While it would be somewhat dearer than the oil-lamp, one electrio lamp would do the work of two oil lamps. Electric hand-lamps are already in use in the Rotowaro mine, Huntly, and in the Point Elizabeth and Liverpool State mines; but it is understood that they are not very satisfactory, being upwards of four pounds in weight, and somewhat difficult to recharge.