Deceased died on 23rd July, 1914, from injuries to the spine incurred on 22nd August, 1913. On that date at the very commencement of the shift he proceeded to bore a shot-hole before examining the roof above where he was working. While so doing a piece of shale 3 feet by 2 feet 6 inches, and 4 inches thick, which was overhanging from the face fell and struck him on the back. The accident was due entirely to neglect of the primary precaution, which should be over present in a miner's mind, to examine the working place immediately before commencing work in it, as is provided for in General Regulation 6.