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

472 REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS OF MINES. Off. Doc.
no one of the danger. Consequently, it had a good start before
it was discovered. Three weeks sufficed to smother it. Mine foreman,
Dennis Wordly.
AVick Haven.—A new Cappell fan has ben installed at this mine,
which is capable of produciag abont 10,000 cubic feet of air per
minute. In now^ depends on the management to keep up the ventilation,
for the means are at hand. Mine foreman, James Watkins.
Banning.—Some improvements have been made at this mine in the
ventilation, but more air yet is needed. While the fan gives a good
quantity, it w^ould be w^ell to find about the one-half of it at the bottom
of the slope instead of one-tenth of it. This is absolutely necessary
where gas is given off in large quantities. Mine foreman, Arthur
Crossland.
Darr Mine.—This mine is in very good condition. It is the intention
of the firm to put in an electric motor to haul the coal to the
rope haulage.
This seems to be the best method of overcoming the
difficulty of keeping the rope in good working order, which is particularly
difficult on account of its great length, w^hich is about 4,000 feet.
The quantity of coal to be hauled out of this mine precludes the possibility
of further extending the rope for loads. The ventilation at the
bottom of this slope, 7,000 feet from the fan, is 48,000 cubic feet per
minute, which is commendable. This slope, at one time, showed considerable
quantities of explosive gas, but I have been unable to find
any whatever since the ventilation has been improved. Mine foreman,
Charles Watson.
Ocean No. 5.—This mine has been operated steadily since the strike
untir the beginning of the year. The interior is well attended to.
Mine foi-eman, Frank Ridly.
Tort Koyal No. 2.—This mine has made a good showing during the
year as to improvements. An additional fan has been installed,
w hich is to be used in case of emergency. The interior work was progressing
well until a short time before the close of the year, wiien a
fire broke out at the foot of No. U entry. The fire started after every
person was out of the mine. An hour later the night water hauler entered
and saw the fire burning in two trap doors and beginning to
catch the coal. Knowing that he could not extingiiisli ii himself, he
hurried to the shaft and gave the alarm. The mine foreman and fire
boss entered soon after, bringing other helj). Three lines of hose
were attached to a water supply, an