Scheme proposed by Mr. W. SAINT (H.M. INSPECTOR OF MINES).

Notes by the Consultative Committee.

After having given very careful consideration to the question of the exploration of the Bullhurst Seam, I have to inform you that I have come to the conclusion that, if proper precautions are taken and the work is done under the supervision of officials who have had large experience in dealing with gob-fires in North Staffordshire and if possible also in the exploration of mines in that area after explosions, it can be done without undue risk, and it is highly desirable the work should be carried out —

(a) In order to allay the feeling held so strongly by the miners that the bodies should be recovered.

(b) In the interests of future safety.

(c) To ascertain the cause of the explosion in this instance.

The Committee agree that the work should be supervised by experienced men.

Work of this character cannot be done without risk to the rescue teams; there are limits to their capacity for undertaking laborious work.

For the consideration of your Committee, I would suggest in carrying out the work the following precautions should be taken. :—

(1) A manway constructed of boards 2 in. thick, 5 ft. long, 3 ft. high and 2½ ft. wide, provided with a suitable door at each end, to be fitted at stopping F, or if that is not possible, to be fitted in conjunction with a new wood block stopping as near to stopping F* as practicable, in order to prevent the escape of gas. Other obstructions to be removed so far as may be necessary to obtain easy access to the Bullhurst Crut.

Approved. Great care will be necessary to make an air-tight stopping with a satisfactory air-lock.

(2) Men wearing rescue apparatus to enter the Crut to ascertain the best position in which to build advance stoppings in the Bullhurst Intake and Return, and afterwards to be employed in conveying materials and building wood stoppings laid in and sealed with cement. The wood blocks should be cut true to gauges and of a suitable size and weight, so that they may be easily carried to the site of the stoppings, the ground to be properly prepared beforehand.

Approved. The fall of roof and state of roads will present difficulties to rescue teams. Carrying material and building stoppings will be very laborious work.

If for any reason it is found to be too far for the men to travel from the base to fix the required stoppings beyond the crossing of the levels in the Eight Feet seam, a good temporary stopping may be fixed in the Intake Crut, and after the Crut has been cleaned up and made good to that point, the more advanced stoppings should be built.

In every case where the distance is too great for rescue teams, temporary stoppings in shorter stages will be necessary, and should be of a substantial character, fitted with air locks or supplemented by a second stopping with an air lock.

When an advanced stopping has been fixed and made secure, stoppings F and B* should be opened and the main crut ventilated by means of 18 in. pipes in connection with a brattice stopping shown between B and D* on the blue print plan attached to the minutes dated 8th March, 1918. At the same time the gas pressure from the Push-up district should be released from behind stopping D, and also, if found necessary from stopping I. The double doors at E* should be restored.

Approved. It will be necessary to release the pressure and clear the gas from the outer part of the Seven Feet district to prevent leakage into the Bullhurst Crut through breaks and fissures.

When the advanced stoppings have been fixed beyond the Eight Feet levels in both cruts, stopping A* should be removed and the return crut be ventilated and put into good travellable order.

Approved.

If the advanced stoppings when being built can be fitted with manways as previously described, it is advisable they should be so fitted, as it will save time and expense, otherwise it will be necessary —

Approved.

(3) To build new temporary stoppings before the men can draw the original stopping in order to examine the roadway beyond for the most convenient places that can be found in which to build further advanced stoppings.

Approved. Such advanced stoppings to be substantial. See note (2) 2nd par.

(4) Each section of roadway should be explored, ventilated and repaired before another section is opened. After the exploration of a district has been completed it should be sealed off. A good line of retreat should be maintained at all times.

Approved. Before any section is ventilated it is of vital importance that falls of coal, accumulations of coal and debris, or other possible centres of spontaneous heating are discovered and removed if doubtful.

It may be necessary to treat some sections of the mine with C.O2 Liquid Carbon Di-oxide may be obtained in cylinders containing 27 lbs. equal to 225 cubic feet of gas at normal pressure and temperature.

The use of liquid C.O2 does not come within the experience of any member of the Committee, but special precautions' will be necessary when exploring descending workings.