1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

No. 11. FIRST BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 301
favor of one ventilator doing- the work for two mines, J am of
opinion that, with proper adjustments, the ventilating fan at this
mine can make a marked improvement in the ventilation of the
former and at the same time not materially lessen the quantity
of air required for the latter if the conditions remain the same.
Equitable.—On the date of my last examination of this mine 1
found the air current continuous, one hundred and fourteen persons
being at work in it. I called the attention of the management
to the condition of the mine in regard to the air current, and requested
them, without delay, to put the same in a legal condition.
North Webster.—General condition of mine, fair.
Bunola.—On my last visit to this mine the ventilation, in a general
way. was fair. The drainage was in parts of the mine unsatisfactory.
Somers No. 4.—General condition satisfactory.
Soiners No. 3.—On an examination of this mine I found the ventilation
and drainage in parts of the same not in conformity with
the act relating to bituminous coal mines.
Manown.—General condition of mine, fair.
They have abandoned
the greater part of the left side of mine; this shortened the air route
and as a consequence the air current shows a much larger volume
in other parts of the workings. Owing to the proximity of buildings
made of combustible material, and the possibility of them catchingfire.
I requested, in the interests of safety, the former operators of
the mine to make an additional opening to be used in cases of emergency,
which they refused on the plea that they had the legal means
of exit; no question was raised relative to this, but being of the
opinion that they were a standing menace to the safety of the
persons employed in the mine I asked for this additional opening.
On the new company taking charge of the mine I renewed my request,
which was granted.
Somers No. 2.—On my last
examination of this mine the general
condition was fair.
Cleveland.— .Mine in fair condition on date of last visit.
Mine on the Peters Creek Branch of the Monongahela Division
of (he Pennsylvania Railroad.
Peters Creek.—A new drift opening located about two miles from
Peters Creek Station. The ventilation of this mine has not been
satisfactory at all times, the cause being that nature was relied on
to produce it. On my last visit I called the at tent ion of the company
operating that it was necessary to comply with the law in regard to
the use of some artificial means to produce the ventilation required
for mines.