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

440 REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS OP MINES. Off. Doc.
in operation.
The airways and ditches were in such a terrible condition
when it shut down that it will take some time to put the mine
im proper order. Owing' to the mine commencing operation so late
in the year, it was impossible for me to visit it, but the indications
are that it is to be operated on contract.
Eureka No. 18.—When this mine was in operation, the ventilation
and drainage were in very fair condition. An average of 28,933 cubic
feet of air was measured at furnace, circulated through the mine in
three currents.
Considerable trouble had been experienced during
the year owing to malicious parties having set fire to the tipple on the
2d of April, completely destroying it, together with the scales and
cars that were outside. The tipple was rebuilt by the 20th of April,
when it was again destroyed by fire. It was completed and was again
in operation at the time of my last visit on July 7, showing the determination
of the company to keep the mine in operation. James Blade,
foreman.
Eureka No. 19.—This mine is contracted from the company by other
parties, and like others of a similar character, has not been kept in as
good condition as necessary. The fan was running at a speed of 120
revolutions per minute and producing a volume of 20,000 cubic feet
of air per minute, which was insufficient for the 185 men employed.
On my visit, October 14, the drainage was also deficient in places.
I have received word since my last visit that the company will take
charge of the mine on the 1st of January, 1898. Adolph Cook, foreman.
Eureka No. 20.—The drainage of this mine has been in poor condition
during the year, and at face of main new dip heading, the ventilation
was insufficient, but owing to the mine workings being cut up
by having so much inferior coal, causing the company to divert their
course in the direction of good coal, it was rather difficult to maintain
good air at all times. The mine is being rapidly exhausted. The
volume of air at the furnace was 26,912 cubic feet per minute. This
mine was also operated by a contractor and could have been kept in
better condition. E. F. Townsend, foreman; John Tyler, contractor.
Eureka No. 21.—The ventilation of this mine was in three currents,
and an average volume of 18,533 cubic feet per minute was measurtnl
at the furnace. The air was rather deficient in eighth cross
heading, but in other places was very good. Drainage very fair in
working jilaces but rather deficient on main haulage places. Strata
below coal is soft fire clay. New manway has beassing out at the fan and circulated through the mine in four
main currents and sevei-al out splits. Tlir main headings ai'e becom-