THE GORGE CONTRACT.

Woodville Examiner, Volume 3, Issue 284, 17 September 1886, Page 3

THE GORGE CONTRACT.

(to the editor.)

Sir, —With your kind permission as a matter of importance I desire to give vent to my sentiments through your valuable journal as a warning to whom it may concern. The Gorge contract being let and as its construction will chiefly be through rock where no doubt a quantity of powder and dynamite will be used in blasting. I hope the contractors there will keep a sharp eye towards the blasting, so as to see that such explosive materials are not used in ignorance as has been done in times past which caused such damage with loss of life. I would like t» see the Gorge contractors distinguish themselves by employing practical men to blast the rock, as in my estimation, though carelessness and ignorance combined, nine cases out of ten accidents occur in blasting, and further, I wish to suggest that if the contractors were to place a skilful person with each gang of men to see that the holes are bored to advantage and to charge the same. With this proviso I guarantee that accidents will not frequently occur in blasting. But if it is allowed to be used with ignorance we may then expect to hear of accidents occurring at the Gorge. One word more I hope to see the Gorge contractors select practical men to blast the rock to their interest when powder and dynamite is used systematically and the rock blown out advantageously. As I have had long experience in blasting, both under ground and on railways, I know the danger therewith, specially in the hands of the ignorant who are in danger of being instantaneously blown into eternity.—l am, &c. Skilful Blaster.