27

C.—-4

(6.) That a constant and sufficient supply of sawdust, sand, ash, or other deodorant approved by the inspector of Mines should be kept at each latrine. (7.) That the roof and walls surrounding the latrine should be limewashed at regular intervals, and tne seat and tioor cleaned and disinfected at least every twenty-four hours. (8.) That screens should be provided to ensure as much privacy as possible in the use of the latrines. In regard to coal-mines we recommend— (y.) That suitable and sufficient latrines should be provided, as in metal-mines, with the exception that trucks be used instead of pans. (10.) That the position of the truck with regard to airways, the deodorants, privacy, and cleansing above mentioned, apply, as nearly as circumstances permit, to latrines in coal-mines. (11.) That after latrines are provided it should be made an offence for any person to relieve nis bowels below ground in any place in any mine other than in a latrine. (12.) That it be made an offence for any person to destroy or wilfully render any latrine in any mine unfit for use by defiling the seat or otherwise howsoever. (13.) That all latrine receptacles be emptied once in every twenty-four hours. (14.) That the number of latrines or trucks to be provided in each mine be left to the committee elsewhere in this report recommended. With regard to deodorants to be used, the evidence shows that coaldust is a sufficient deodorant in coal-mines, but chlorine disinfectants are not considered suitable for underground latrines. We are further of opinion that a supply of good wholesome drinking-water, not collected in the mine, should be provided by means of a pipe, or be kept in covered vessels at points reasonably accessible to working-places. We believe that these reforms, if carried out, would greatly improve the health and comfort of the men, and they do not involve any great outlay to provide. IV. CHANGE AND BATH HOUSES FOR MINERS. With regard to the question of providing change and bath houses at all mines, we find the request for the same to be quite unanimous. The medical evidence also emphasizes the necessity for such provisions in the interest of general health, and as a particular preventive against phthisis. The constant exposure of men to warm temperatures in more or less vitiated air underground renders a sudden change, in wet clothing, to colder conditions above ground highly injurious to health. It is therefore of primary importance that men should be able to change their wet clothing immediately on coming out of the mines under conditions of reasonable comfort. In mining communities it is, for the most part, impossible for miners' dwellings to be supplied with bathing-accommodation. To meet this want we have to recommend that both change and bath houses be provided at all mines. On this point we are pleased to be able to report that the suggestions have met with a favourable reception from the mine owners and managers. It is recognized by them that the benefits accruing to the men from such facilities are all in the interests of the industry. We have considered the question of whether the use of baths should be made compulsory. On this point we agree that such a provision would be unworkable, the consensus of opinion amongst the witnesses who represented the workers being that the men would largely avail themselves of the bathing facilities. In order that small mines may not be unduly burdened we have suggested a limit in the number of men employed for whom bathing-accommodation should be provided, but we are of opinion that there should be no limit so far as changehouses are concerned.