207

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58. Would you sooner work in 70° than in 80°?— In the lower, because it would be more comfortable. 59. And yet you do not think that a man is entitled to some protection from the law of the land in regard to those places?- —I did not say he was not entitled to it; he already has it. 60. In what way? —Because the Inspector of Mines gives him it. If he is not satisfied he has only to get the Inspector along. 61. Do you not think it is placing a responsibility on the Inspector of Mines? —Yes, but he is there to take that responsibility. 62. Do you not think that the Government, we will say, are putting a responsibility on the Mining Inspector by not fixing a guide for him to go by? —No, not an unnecessary responsibility. 63. You said, in reply to a question by Mr. Dowgray, that one great reason against fixing a standard was that a man might be worse off working in a gassy place than he would be in a hot place ?—Yes, he would be better off unless he worked six hours. 64. What impediment is that to fixing a standard? —It is just as justifiable to create a standard for the gas as for the heat. 65. What is the standard for gas at the present time? —There is no standard for gas. 66. Only when a man cannot work any longer?— Yes, that is so. 67. Is it not the same with a hot place?— No. 68. Do you not think a man himself is best fitted to judge as to the injurious effects the heat of his place has upon him?—He certainly knows how it affects him, and he is the best judge in that respect. Consequently, when he finds it is bad, it is his duty to acquaint the officials or the minemanager, and they come to reasonable terms. The mine-managers on this field have never objected to meet the men fairly on any question. 69. In the event of the miner and the manager not agreeing, what is the position?— The Inspector of Mines is called in to decide. 70. And in the event of the Inspector not being available? —He is always available. 71. Here at'the Thames?— Well, generally. 72. Supposing he is at Hikurangi? —He is never away very long; he is generally available. 73. But he is sometimes away for a week at a time? —Occasionally he may be. 74. Supposing after he had been away a day a dispute arose? —The place would remain idle until the Inspector returned, and the men would be put in some other place. .75. In the event of its being a place which the company desired to go on with, and stoppage threatened to cause the company both delay and expense, would it not be better for a standard temperature to be fixed? —No. If he wished to push on the work the manager would simply say, " I will give you a six-hour shift until the Inspector returns." 76. Have you worked on the surface in a hot temperature?— Yes, in Coolgardie. 77. What was the highest temperature on the surface?— About 100°. 78. Would you sooner work at a temperature of 100° on the surface than below at the same temperature?—On the surface. 79. Do you think mining is a healthy occupation? —No, I do not, generally speaking. 80. And yet, though you consider it an unhealthy occupation, you do not think that it is necessary to fix a standard for six-hour shifts in unhealthy places?—l did not say that. I do consider it so. 81. At what temperature do you consider it is unhealthy?—l do not think I can say; the conditions of the atmosphere have to be taken into consideration. In a surface drive, for instance, the temperature might be high, and still the conditions may be quite healthy. 82. You think that the provision in the Act is all that is necessary?— Yes; if the men have any complaint to make they can get it remedied. William John Adams sworn and examined. (No. 14.) 1. The You are a mine-manager, Mr. Adams? —Yes. 2. What certificates do you hold? —A service certificate. 3. What mine are you in charge of at present?-—The Waitangi. 4. What experience have you, Mr. Adams? —I have been mining for over thirty years. 5. Where? —Mostly at the Thames and Waihi. 6. What is your opinion with regard to ventilation?—l have not had much experience of ventilating shaft-workings, but in drives I have had to do with the blower and exhaust. 7. And which do you prefer?—ln a surface drive I find that the exhaust is the better; it has proved so in the Waitangi. I have changed from blower to exhaust, and it has made a wonderful improvement. 8. Have you had any experience in deep mines? —Not as to ventilation. 9. Have you had any experience which will enable you to speak with regard to sanitary arrangements?— Yes, there are some mines where there is considerable room for improvement in connection with sanitary matters. 10. Do you consider that sanitary conveniences should be provided, and their use made compulsory ?—Yes. ■ 11. Have you had any experience of accidents? —No, I have only had one accident. 12. Have you any opinion to offer as to the number of holes it is safe to fire with fuse, and when electricity should be used? —With the hand-steel I think there should be a limit fixed. Six would be quite enough. 13. And any larger number should be fired with electricity? —Yes. 14. Have you any decided opinion as to the feasibility of a standard temperature being fixed? — It is a matter I have never gone into.

28—C. 4.