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tions of the mines we took samples of mine-air, temperatures with the hygrometer, and air-measurements with the anemometer in such places as we deemed it advisable, in addition to which we obtained from the Inspectors of Mines of the different districts similar data regarding samples and tests taken and made by them over an extended period, copies of which are appended (Appendix, Nos. 2, 3, 4). This data gives approximately the general conditions prevailing in the various mines to which it relates. In regard to the condition in which we found mines generally, and the way in which the Acts have been administered, we have to say that full advantage has not always been taken of the safety precautions already existing. We would urge upon Inspectors of Mines, management, and men alike the necessity for using extreme caution. We believe that if our recommendations are incorporated in the statutes and strictly enforced the mining conditions will be greatly improved and accidents minimized. We do not propose to discuss the conditions of individual mines, but to report to Your Excellency on the deductions we have made and the conclusions arrived at regarding the various matters within the scope of the Commission, and to make such recommendations as will be for the well-being of the men employed in the different industries and branches thereof. With this object in view we propose to report to your Excellency under the various heads as set out in the Commission, viz. : — I. The prevention of accidents in mines. 11. The ventilation of mines. 111. The underground sanitation of mines. IV. Change and bath houses for miners. V. What steps should be taken to guard against miners'^phthisis. • VI. The profitable utilization of the soft bituminous and lignite coals of the Westport District of New Zealand. I. THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS IN MINES. This subject has been considered in three sections, as follows : — 1. Inspectors of Mines, deputies, miners, workmen's inspectors, and the management of small mines by permit-holders. 2. Mining— (i.) Coal-mining, (ii.) Haulage, (iii.) Explosions of gas and dust, with its cognate but not always allied subject, shot-firing, (iv.) Metalliferous mining. (v.) Machinery. 3. Miscellaneous. To these questions your Commissioners have devoted much time and thought. * Numerous precautionary measures have been asked for and carefully considered. In many instances we have approved of the suggestions made. In some, however, a majority are not prepared to make any recommendation, for the reason, amongst others, that they are more of the nature of economical questions than directly contributory to* accidents. W T e are of opinion that where definite provisions which are generally applicable can be made, they should be matter for embodiment in the statutes or regulations. In some cases, however, such provisions might be oppressive or prohibitive under varying circumstances. Such an adaptation of the law according to what may be attainable, and not a general provision which might be contrary to good mining practice in certain cases, is particularly applicable to our recommendations under " Mining," more especially as to coal-seams, which in this Dominion vary greatly in hardness, strength, thickness, and safety of roofs even in the same district. To meet the requirements of local conditions we recommend that a committee should be set up at each mine, with power to make, alter, and from time to time to amend additional special rules for coal-

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