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

No. 10. EIGHTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 441
ing so long that it will be necessary to build brattices of brick and
mortar to keep them air tight, because at the extreme face of heading
it is rather smoky and some difficulty is encountered by the engineers
of locomotives opening doors with their engines, which often results
in a broken door which cannot, at times, be repaired for several hours,
thus cutting off the air from the more extended workings. But, on
the whole, the ventilation and drainage were in fair condition.
A new danger has shown itself in the shape of live electric wires. It
seems impossible to run an electric haulage system unless a naked
wire is suspended along haulage way, and as the miner has to bring his
car to the cross heading it is necessary for him to work near the wire.
An accident from this source occurred on March 4 owing to the
miners not knowing the danger of coming in contact with a live electric
wire charged with 500 volts. A report is made in accident list of
the case referred to. To avert any such accidents in the future,
a piece of wood is fastened to the roof on either side of wire, at all
crossings and in front of each room, so that should the miner come near
the wire he would come in contact with the wood referred to and not
strike the wire. It seems to contradict the argument of electrical
experts that instead of 500 volts being harmless, it causes nearly instant
death under certain conditions. Foremen, Thomas Marshall
and John Milsom.
Eureka No. 23.—The ventilation and drainage of this mine were
found in good condition during the year, but owing to the coal being
reduced in thickness to eighteen and twenty-four inches, and of inferior
quality, jt was deemed impracticable to mine it, and, consequently,
the mine is now abondoned by this company. 25,200 cubic
feet of air was measured at furnace return, which was circulated
through the mine in three main and several sub currents. Foreman,
John Carlan.
Eureka No. 24.—This mine was not in operation until mid-summer
and on my visit on October 18 the ventilation was in very good condition.
Drainage good, except on local spots. Foreman, John Allen.
Eureka No. 25.—This mine is now indefinitely shut down, all the
coal having been taken out except a small portion of main heading
pillars near the drift mouth, but on my last visit 2,400 cubic feet of
air was measured at furnace, being a natural current and in fair condition
for number of men employed. Drainage deficient in places.
William Fitzgerald, foreman.
Eureka No. 2G.—An unfortunate accident happened in this mine
from the same cause as at Eureka No. 22, and the same remedy was
applied. The ventilation and drainage were in very fair condition,
the air being circulated through the mine in three currents.
haulage is in use. John Carlan, foreman.
Electric
Fairmount Mine.—On my last visit, November 6, the ventilation in