Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Department of Internal Affairs of ...

358 REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS OP MINES. Off. Doc.
This mine, like nearly all the others in the Salisbury region, has never
been worked on any system except a "go-as-you-please" or "go-as-youcan"
system, consequently neither the mine nor the ventilation is
in a satisfactory condition. There are no means other than natural
ones to ventilate the mine. Although at each of my visits there was
a good current of air in circulation, this cannot be depended upon.
I
notified the operators that some artificial means would have to be
provided to com])ly with law. The drainage was good, except in a
few low places. The most of the work being done in the mine at
present is recoveiing rib coal. By the imperfect methods of mining
the coal in the past, a great number of ribs will never be recovered.
This is a great pity, for the conditions are very favorable for recovering
nearly all of the coal seam if proper methods had been adopted to
mine it. Mining boss, William K. Murray.
Thomas.— This small mine is in good condition and is well looked
after in every respect. Mining boss, Benjamin Thomas.
Trotter.—This mine is in its usual good condition. An increase
in the volume of air delivered into the mine has been made by increasing
the area of the airways at the bottom of the inlet shaft. These
had been allowed to close up gradually by small falls. They have been
cleaned up, however, and some of the roof and sides blasted down.
This was money well spent, as an increase of the volume of air by
nearly one-third was the result. The headings are still being driven
ahead of the requirements of the demand for pit room. Mining boss,
James Hart.
Uniondale.—The workings in this mine are confined to the drawing
of ribs, all the solid coal having been worked over. The ventilation
and drainage are good, as are the other general conditions. Mining
boss, James L. Allen.
Wynn.—This mine is
by the same system and owned and operated by the same
now connected with the Oliphant, being ventilated
company and is under the control of the same mine foreman. It is
in good condition in all respects. Mining boss, James Small.
Wheeler.—This mine is now confined to pillar working and is being
worked back towards the slope very rapidly. It is in good condition
generally, both as to ventilation and drainage. Mining boss,
John Yocum.
Washington Nos. 1 and 2.—These mines are connected in such
a manner by the same system of ventilation, drainagt^ and haulage,
and owned by the same company, that they may be considcicd together
as one mine, although there is a mine foreman for each. The
ventilation, drainage and general condition are excellent in
every respect, leaving nothing to be desired in the way of improvement.
A large haulage engine has been placed inside No. 1 mine to
haul the coal from the dip workings. The steam is conveyed to the