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(10.) On account of the great similarity in size, general appearance, and colour rendering it probable that instantaneous fuse may be : mistaken for ordinary fuse, that the use of instantaneous fuse should be prohibited at all mines. (11.) In addition to its bearing on ventilation we are of opinion that it is desirable that the following recommendation of the Transvaal Mining Commission should be adopted, viz. : — Every working-place where rook-drills are in use shall be furnished with a James water-blast or suitable appliance for laying and removing the dust, smoke, and gases after a blast; and no man shall return to an end, rise, winze, or other close place until the air is free from dust, smoke, and fumes caused by blasting. (12.) That the practice of charging a number of holes, when it is intended to fire only a few at a time, should be prohibited. (13.) That in straight drives where firing is in vogue the Inspector be empowered to order barriers or other sufficient cover to protect the men when blasting. (14.) That in ail shafts in course of sinking there shall be provided adequate coverings or pent-houses extending over the whole area of such shafts, sufficient space only being left therein for the passage of any sinking cage, skip, bucket, or other means of conveyance. In the case of vertical shafts such covering shall be situated not more than 50 ft. from the shaft-bottom. In the case of steeply inclined shafts such covering shall be situated not more than 100 ft. from the shaft-bottom. (15.) That it be made an offence for men— (a.) To carry tools or timber in ladderways : (b.) To throw tools or timber down ladderways : (c.) To take explosives with them in cages. (16.) We recommend that the following matters be left to the proposed committee to frame additional regulations for each mine :— (a.) Dealing with wet places, and the hours to be worked therein : (b.) Making provision for lifting heavy timber from cages to trucks in all levels : (c.) Eegulating or prohibiting the practice of " balling " or chambering holes : (d.) Dealing with the use of electricity in firing holes in shafts, rises, and winzes. The question of abolishing the night shift as a means of minimizing accidents was raised. We are of opinion that the night shift in mining, in common with night-shift work in all other employments, may be more detrimental to men than the day shift, but not so as to warrant us in making any recommendation thereon. (Messrs. Parry and Dowgray dissenting.) (v.) Machinery (Coal and Metal Mines). Your Commissioners found that the mines and dredges visited by them are well equipped with suitable and efficient' machinery; we also found that exposed and dangerous parts of machinery were securely fenced off, and statutory precautions have been taken for the safety of the men employed about the machinery. We, however, consider that in some directions it is advisable that further provisions should be made, more especially in connection with the qualifications and efficiency of the engine-drivers in charge of winding-engines, and those appliances used in connection with the raising and lowering of persons in shafts. We make the following recommendations : — (1.) That before becoming the holder of a winding-engine driver's certificate of competency under the Inspection of Machinery Act, 1908, the candidate, after having passed the examination as provided in the aforesaid Act, and before the certificate is issued to

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