I—C. 14.

C—l 4

1914. NEW ZEALAND.

HUNTLY MINING ACCIDENT (REPORT OF ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

COMMISSION.

LIVEKPOOL, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Feedeeick James Buegess, Esquire, of Thames, Warden and Stipendiary Magistrate ; John Connell Beown, Esquire, of Westport, Mine-manager; and JohnJ|Dowgeay, Esquire, of Granity, Miner. Wheeeas an accident occurred at the coal-mine at Huntly, known as Ralph's Colliery, the property of the Taupiri Coal-mines (Limited), on the twelfth day of September, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen, which caused the deaths of forty-three persons working therein : And whereas it is expedient that a Commission should be issued for the purpose of inquiring into the cause of the said accident, and into the working of the existing law in respect to the prevention of such accidents, and for the other purposes hereinafter mentioned : Now. therefore, know ye that I, Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, reposing trust and confidence in your knowledge, integrity, and ability, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, constitute and appoint you the said Feedeeick James Buegess, John Connell Beown, and John Dowgeay to be a Commission for the purpose of making inquiry into the matters hereinbefore referred to, and into the several other matters mentioned in these presents, that is to say,— (i.) To ascertain in what part or parts of the mine the accident occurred, and the nature of the same. (2.) To ascertain how the accident was caused. (3.) To ascertain what lights were used in the different parts of the mine at the time of the accident. (4.) To ascertain to what extent the provisions of the Coal-mines Act, 1908, and the general rules, the special rules, and additional rules made in accordance with the provisions of that Act, were complied with in the mine, but more especially as regards — (a.) Ventilation and lighting ; (&.) The examination of the mine ; (fi.) The character of the explosives used ; (d.) The withdrawal of workmen in case of danger ; and (c.) The means of escape in case of accident. (5.) To ascertain the nature and character of the working and general management of the mine, and whether the mine was well and safely managed.