COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13592, 6 October 1914, Page 3

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.

ORDER OF REFERENCE! The Commission's order of reference is as follows: — ■1. To ascertain in what part or parts of the mine the accident occurred and the nature of the same. 2. To ascertain how the accident was caused. 3. To ascertain what lights were used in the. different parts of the mine at the time of the accident. 4. To ascertain, to what extent the provisions of the Coalmines Act 3 1908, and the general rules, special rules and additional rules, made in accordance with the provisions of that Act were complied with .in the mine, but more especially as regards-(a) ventilation and ! lighting; (b) the examination of the | mine;(c) the character of the explosives; (d) the withdrawal of workmen in case of danger; (c) the means of escape in case of accident. 5. To ascertain the nature and character of the working. and general management of the mine, and whether the mine was well and safely managed. 6. To determine the efficiency of the inspection of the mine by (a) the inspector of mines for the district; (b) the workmen's inspectors. 7. _ To make suggestions for the prevention, "as far as possible, of similar accidents and for the safe working of this and other mines in the future. 8. To ascertain if the provisions of the existing laws are sufficient to give the inspector of mines full authority to order the use of safety lamps and other appliances, if in his opinion such appliances are necessary. 9. And generally to make inquiry into any matter or thing arising* out of or connected with the several subjects of inquiry, and to. report whether any additional legislation as necessary^ and the scope of same or whether an amendment of the regulations under the existing law can be made sufficient to provide reasonable and proper safeguards. The report of the commission is to be handed to the Minister for Mines, the Hon. W. Fraser, by November Ist next. '..'..■■"■