c;— 4.

mines and additional regulations for metal-mines suitable for each particular mine. Accordingly we recommend that section 42 of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, be amended so as to provide— (1.) For the appointment of a committee at the different mines, consisting of the mine-manager, the Inspector of Mines, and a representative appointed in a similar manner to the workmen's inspector by a majority of the workers in the mine, to frame additional special rules. In like manner we recommend that provision be made under the Mining Act, 1908, for the appointment of similar committees to frame additional regulations, and that the workmen's representatives on these committees be appointed in the same manner as the workmen's inspector under that Act. (2.) The matters which should fall within the scope of these rules and regulations should be such only as affect the working of the particular mine, not inconsistent with the rules and regulations under the respective Acts. These rules or regulations, when drawn up, should be open for inspection for, say, fourteen days after the making thereof. Any person subject thereto (including any member of the committee) should have the right of appeal against all or any of the rules, either to the Minister of Mines or to an Appellate Board consisting of the Minister of Mines, the Inspecting Engineer, and the Warden (or, if no Warden, the Magistrate for the district in which the mine is situate). If no such appeal is made within fourteen days, then the rules or s regulations should become the working rules or regulations of the mine, and have the force and effect of law to the same extent as if they formed part of the general rules or regulations applicable to the mine. In case of appeal the Minister or the Board, as the case may be, should have power to cancel, vary, or amend the rules appealed against, and their decision should be final. A breach of these rules, or such of them as may be specified, should be deemed an offence under the Act. We believe that such committees should be able to frame effective and satisfactory rules from their knowledge of the local requirements. A somewhat similar though not so extensive a power is provided by section 87 of the British Coal-mines Act. 1. Inspectors of Mines, Deputies, Etc. We recommend as follows : — (1.) That Government Inspectors of Mines be required to pass a special examination, higher than that of a mine-manager, before appointment. (2.) That, in order to enable Inspectors of Mines more effectually to carry out their duties and to enforce their orders, they have summary power of prosecuting in all cases affecting the safety of workers in mines; but that in cases of death, or serious bodily injury, or dangerous practices, the Inspector should consult the Inspecting Engineer of Mines before taking proceedings. We believe that if they had such powers it would have a better effect in compelling both the management and the men to observe the precautions necessary for safety. (3.) That the Inspector of Mines be given power to withdraw men from dangerous places in mines, and that an Inspector's duties be restricted to inspections of mines and duties appertaining to mines only under both the Coal-mines and Mining Acts respectively. (4.) That it be made compulsory for all deputies during their rounds to examine the roof and sides, irrespective, of the examination by miners and workmen's inspectors.

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