The Times reports of the Haswell Mining Disaster

1st October 1844

Dreadful Colliery Explosion (from the Sun.) Sunderland, Sept. 29.

Intelligence has just reached this town that an explosion, attended with a dreadful loss of life, took place yesterday afternoon at Haswell Colliery, about ten miles from this place. It is stated that it happened at the time when there were upwards of 100 men in the pit. The men work in "shifts," or sets, one of which had just descended to relieve the other. Up to 8 o'clock this morning it is reported that 80 bodies had been taken out dead: this may be an exaggeration, but that the loss has been fearful, appears too probable.

On Saturday, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, a most awful proof of the dangers constantly attendant on the work in which coal miners are employed, occurred at Haswell colliery. It is believed that upwards of 100 lives are sacrificed, but the extent of the injury is not yet known with certainty. Our information is derived from a private source; our informant states that he was at the pit's mouth for some hours on Saturday night; the cage was then constantly going up and down the shaft, but no one was permitted to descend except some workmen of the colliery; afterwards some stonemasons were sent for, and descended. At that time (7 o'clock on Saturday night) none of the bodies had been brought to the bank, and the greatest secrecy was maintained as to the number who had perished, and the cause of the accident. Some persons who expressed a wish to descend were refused.

The accident is attributed to an explosion of fire-damp, which occurred, as before stated, at 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. At that time it is believed there were upwards of 100 men in the pit; and no one appears to entertain any doubt but that all have perished. The state of the neighbourhood it is utterly impossible to describe. Haswell is a small colliery village, 18 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and 7 from Durham. It is supposed an inquest will be held on Monday.

Sunday, 1 o'clock. — I sent two of my clerks to Haswell at 3 o'clock this morning ; they have just returned ; 96 are killed — there may be more, that number were brought to the bank. The men at the colliery are all busy in knocking pieces of wood together for coffins. It is believed that three men who were at the bottom of the pit are saved.

Further Particulars This calamity appears to have been even more dreadful than we at first announced. The number of men in the pit at the time of the explosion was nearly 150. Only one man, it is said, has escaped alive or uninjured.

Upwards of 100 dead bodies have already been brought to the bank. It is utterly impossible to describe the dreadful anguish of the surviving relatives.

One man was found unsigned, with his cap in his mouth; he had probably placed it therein order to prevent the foul air getting into his mouth.

Several had their fingers closed into each other, and pressing on their mouths.

15 putters (boys and young men employed in taking the coals from the hewers to the bottom of the shaft) were in one lump — all clasped together. They had their clothes on prepared to ascend. When working they are nearly naked.

The state of the relatives beggars all description. Each cottage had its dead father or brothers, or both.

Three men at the bottom of the shaft were saved; the shock was so great that the roof near them had fallen down and so blocked up the passage as to stop the further progress of the bad air. These men thus providentially rescued were the first who brought the intelligence to the bank: the explosion was not heard by those outside the pit. The men when asked the cause of the dreadful accident say that the state of the pit must have been known to some persons; but it does not appear that any complaints had been previously made.

One lad had his bones sticking out of his thigh; many had their bones broken, some were very much scorched, while others, to all external appearance, were uninjured. The "after damp" is generally fatal top those who escape the immediate effect of the explosion.

The three men saved are John Thompson, waggon way man; John Hall, hewer; and — Coats, putter. These three were at the bottom of the shaft when the explosion occurred.

An equally disastrous explosion occurred 20 years ago at Wall's-end, about four miles from Newcastle-uponTyne. 101 perished on that occasion. Wall's-end was then under the superintendence of the late Mr. Buddle, who was also the head viewer of the Northumberland and Durham coal trade; and it strangely happens that Mr. Foster, the present head viewer, is the practical superintendent at Haswell and some neighbouring collieries.

2nd October 1844

The Late Dreadful Colliery Explosion Inquest on the Bodies Haswell Colliery, Monday Night.

A dreadful explosion of fire-damp took place at this place on the afternoon of Saturday last, when the lives of 95 men and boys were sacrificed. The particulars of this melancholy event (of which a brief account has already appeared) will be found fully set forth in the evidence of the witnesses examined at the inquest, given at length below, but one or two introductory particulars are necessary. Haswell Colliery is situate in the very centre of the great Durham coal-field, about seven miles from the city of Durham, and nine from Sunderland.

It is the property of Messrs. Clark, Taylor, Plumer, and other wealthy coal-owners connected with the district.

It is 150 fathoms deep, and the workings are in the well-known Hutton seam. The character of the mine in respect to ventilation has always stood high. During the pitmen's a few of the off-hand men were employed as hewers, and a few new men introduced; but, since the termination of the strike, none but experienced workmen have been employed under-ground, the others being employed at bank. It is unnecessary to enter into the heartrending details of individual suffering caused by this dreadful calamity. The reader must be left to his own imagination. Not a soul has been left to tell the mournful tale of how the accident occurred, the whole of the men employed in the working having been swept into eternity without a moment's warning. Four men who were at the bottom of the shaft escaped, by the fire having knocked itself out before it reached them. The inquest was held this day before Mr. T. C. Maynard and a respectable jury, when the following witnesses were examined :— Cornelius Brown, under-viewer at Shotton Colliery. — On Saturday last, with other men, I went down the pit at Haswell, having heard that an accident had happened at half-past 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Scott, another person, went down with me, and we found, about 300 yards from the shaft, that an explosion had taken place, as a number of tubs were upset, and a horse and "rolly-driver" were found dead. We proceeded a certain way, and on reaching the "Meadows," we found a boy lying dead. We went up the "Meadows" branch for about 250 yards, when we found the air so bad from choke-damp that we were compelled to return. We came down to the end of that branch, and Scott returned into it again ; and I went up the "Brockly-whins" way to within 50 yards of the station at the "sidings," where the air was so bad I could proceed no further. I was then satisfied there could be no person in the pit alive. Seeing that nothing could be done to save life, we immediately began to put in air-stoppers, and had to wait till a current of fresh air was got in. After getting the air in, we proceeded on to the Flatts station, in about three hours after, where we found 14 dead bodies, which were laid aside. We took 95 dead bodies out altogether. The explosion took place in the ninth headway course of the Meadows way. I saw that a "jud" had been drawn there by the deputy-overman. A "jud" is part of a pillar of coal, left to support the roof after the working, and is afterwards removed, and I think the removal of the "jud" had caused the explosion, as the effects of the fire were more visible there than in any other place. Three men had been working there, and were found dead. Did not find their Davy lamps. Saw nothing which indicated the cause of the explosion. The deputy, Williamson, had been in the act of taking the "jud" away, and was found within 20 yards of the place, dead. He had been at work at the jud when the explosion took place. The gas in some cases is found in considerable quantity, sometimes suddenly on the removal of the coal. That part of the mine was worked by Davy lamps. There was not a candle used there. It was not considered a dangerous pit ; but, indeed, one of the safest in the trade. I have known it from its commencement, and up to the 14th of August was in it for about three months almost daily. I have not been in the pit since that time, till after the explosion. I am of opinion the ventilation had been good up to the time of

the explosion. In my opinion the explosion would not have taken place if a Davy lamp had not been injured. At the "jud" some stone had fallen from the roof, caused by its removal. The lamp might be injured by the fall of stone, and that was probably the way in which the accident occurred.

This witness was cross-examined by Mr. Roberts, commonly called "the pitmen's attorney-general." He said it was not usual for a Davy lamp to be injured by a fall of stone. In some cases the fall gives notice, and the lamp can be got out of the way. Never saw such an occurrence, but have heard of one or two, and in these instances there were explosions. Between 40 and 50 dead bodies were found at no great distance from the "jud ;" the rest were in different parts of the working. Have seen explosion several times during the last 20 years, but never one so great as this. Sometimes fire and at other times choke-damp is the cause of death. There are more men killed by choke or after-damp than by combustion. The greatest distance from the "jud" to where a dead body was found was about 300 yards. The after-damp is only conveyed to certain portions of the pit.

By the Coroner. — The explosions extended over the north, west, and east portions of the pit. We made two attempts to get into the pit, but the after-damp was so strong that considerable delay ensued. Out of the 95 lives that were lost, only 15 of the bodies were burnt. There was a communication between the "distance" and that part of the pit where the explosion took place. After the explosion the ventilation was interrupted by the air-stoppings having been blown down. By "air-stoppings," I mean barriers placed to throw the air into the workings for ventilation. I should think there had not been a large explosion of gas. If the stoppings had not been broken by the explosion, those on the other side of it would have been saved. The stoppings are made of brick and lime, and it is usual for an explosion to break them down. I have not been down from Sunday morning, but the pit might now be viewed with safety. Davy lamps are a sure protection when uninjured. I have seen fire in a safety-lamp, which was supported inside the gauze by foul air. The Davy is the best lamp.

Another lamp, called the "Geordy lamp," with a glass, has come under my notice, but I do not think it is so safe as the Davy.

Cross-examined by Mr. Marshall, solicitor, of Durham, who appeared on behalf of the owners of the colliery. — 15 were killed by fire, and the remainder by after-damp. It was possible for the mine to be safe previously to the fall of the stone at the "jud" where the explosion took place. A quantity of gas sufficient to cause an explosion might escape in a short time. An instance occurred in their pit two days before, where the gas carried away a large portion of the coal. Candles were used in the whole or solid part of the pit, but the explosion did not take place there, I am sure, as there was no indication of fire there. The safety of the Davy lamp consists in confining the flame within the gauze, and its gives an intimation of danger, when it can be removed. When there is an appearance of danger the instructions are to remove the lamp, and lamps are not then used. The gas is removed by means which are taken.

Cross-examined by Mr. Toobock, surgeon, of Sunderland. I have never known an explosion take place on the removal of a lamp on the appearance of danger by the current of air forcing the flame through the gauze. It is not possible to make the stoppings close enough to resist the force of such an explosion as this.

James Scott. — Is under-viewer at Haswell Colliery. About 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon I was in the collieryoffice, when one of the "off-putters" came and said he believed the pit had fired. I went as quickly as possible down the pit, and along the "North rolly-way," about 30 yards, leading into the "Little Pit." I tried the air with a candle and found it good. I then get a safety lamp, and went along further, and I found the air good all the way to the mouth of the stone-drift. At this point I found a great deficiency in the quality of air, and the current was not in the right direction. On proceeding along the stone-drift the two man-hole drifts at the end were blown down ; also the air-crossings beside them. The fresh air which ought to have gone along the main line was escaping at these two places. Along the main-way from the mouth of the stone-drift I came to a set of "rollies" with empty tubs on them. The horse at the end of the "rollies" was dead, and its driver, a boy. I proceeded on with the overman, John Miller, whom I met, about 60 yards, and came to a set of "rollies" in a siding, laden with tubs. The horse at the out-bye end of the "rollies" was dead, and also the driver. We went forward another fifty yards, and at the Meadows Way-end we found another body dead. For the want of air at that point we were obliged to return. We went back about 300 yards, where there was more air, and we considered the best thing we could do was to get bin the stoppings, to carry the air forward. From what I saw I was quite convinced that all the men in the pit when the explosion took place were dead. Left Miller there to forward these operations, and went myself to the Meadows Way-end, and persevered up to the Meadows

flat, where I found two men and a horse dead. The air was again so bad I was obliged to return to the Meadows Way-end ; when I got there Mr. Brown, the first witness, came up. We stood a while, and then returned to the flat, and got about 100 yards further up than before, when we found it necessary to return to the Meadows Way-end again. We then determined to get all the air-stoppings in as soon as possible, to clear the whole pit of after-damp. Mr. Brown went with some men into the first stopping of the "Brockly-whins" flat, and I went on into the stone drift, where the other men were putting on stoppings. I then went to the Meadows flat again, and got 50 yards further than I did previously, when I was forced again to return. Went to the men at the stoppings, and an hour after with Mr. Brydon and others went into the broken Mothergate flat, and up four pillars, where 18 or 19 men were found. The remainder of my time was spent in getting out the dead bodies. The stoppings were put in, and the air was improved, so that I could not then in the second and third headway courses perceive the slightest indication of gas. In the Mothergate flat the gas was bad.

Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts. — Went down the pit at 7 in the morning. The air was then good. Deputies examine the pit at different times, and when they observe danger they inform the inspector, but I do not know in this case whether any information was given. I do not think the stoppings could have been made so strong as not to have been blown down by the blast. About noon on Sunday a lamp was found about four yards from the edge of the fall of the stones at the "jud." The lamp was entire, except that it wanted the plug at the bottom where the oil was put in, which was out. The lamp was standing against a prop, and there was a little oil in it. The wick was loose in the pipe. If the explosion had been caused by the plug being out, the gas would have had to ascend the tube containing the wick, but that, though possible, is probable. The explosion must have taken place from a defective or injured lamp. Afterwards two other lamps were found by John Miller ; one was perfect, the other had the gauze much twisted, just above the lamp, having the appearance of being crushed. I think the crushing of the gauze had caused the explosion, by the flame coming through the gauze.

Cross-examined by Mr. M. Jude. — Two pillars generally intervene between the "whole coal" and the working.

The men in the "whole coal" work with candles, and never object to doing so. They have often complained of too much air, though the greater quantity of air the greater the safety. There was no "whole coal" being worked at the "jud," and therefore there were no candles there, but lamps, as they always use lamps in the broken. The nearest candle would be 996 yards distant from the "jud." I never in my experience knew the current of air, in moving a lamp from one place to another, to force the flame through the gauze. Have seen dams put in, and do not think if they had been put in they would have stopped the explosion. Was never asked by the men to put dams in. Did not consider it necessary to have the stoppings stronger than they were. It is not allowed to remove the oil from one lamp to another. The men are not allowed to do anything to the lamps except in the presence of an officer at the proper place. By pouring the oil from one lamp to another, the flame would be forced to an angle on the gauze, and might come through. Know no reason why the plug was not in the lamp. Dams can be made stronger than the ordinary stoppings. Neither the master, mason, nor the wastemen, were there at the time of the explosion. The choke-damp was about three hours and a half in the pit after the accident happened. Did not think there had been a large accumulation of gas. A similar accident might happen, and knock the stopping down. If the stoppings had not been knocked down, the after-damp might still have got the men.

Cross-examined by Mr. Marshall. — Dams are only used in collieries to confine the water. If a "Geordy lamp" had been used, I think it would not have resisted the force this lamp is proved to have received. There is a glass tube within the gauze of the Geordy lamp, and none in the common Davy lamp. The injury to the Davy lamp might have happened after the accident. If the Geordy lamp had been injured by the breaking of the glass, it would still have been equal to a Davy in safety, but the breaking of the glass would have cut the gauze.

I think the stone fell when the "jud" was removed. I travel the waste once a week or fortnight, and never knew any accumulation of gas in the waste, and no complaint was ever made to me. The master wasteman reports daily the state of the waste and nature of the works.

Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts. — I am sure the stone fell before the explosion, because the props, about 14 in number, had been withdrawn, and placed on a tram. The fall was 6 yards by 3 yards. In this pit there are two shafts, the air going down one and up the other ; the air travels about a mile and a half, and 40,000 cubic feet pass a minute.

Joseph Fairless, inspector of Haswell Pit. — As soon as I heard of the accident I went down the pit ; it was a little after 7 o'clock on Saturday evening. I examined every part of the mine between that time and Sunday morning, particularly that part where the dead bodies were found. From the examination I made I think the accident happened in the ninth headway, in the Meadows flat. The deputy had been drawing a "jud" there. I know that, because his axe was standing close by where the stone had fallen, at the place the props were taken away. Some of the props were lying on the "horned" tram, which was standing about 6 or 8 yards from where the stone had fallen. I found three bodies there. They appeared to be burnt, but I cannot say whether they died from the burns or the after-damp. There were no indications in any other part of the mine of an explosion having taken place. Found nothing there but the bodies. I am of opinion the stone had fallen before the explosion took place. My reason for thinking so is that the props had been taken out, and the men were away from it a little. I have been inspector of that pit about two years and four months, and during that time it was considered a safe pit. If the men thought there was any danger, it was their duty to report it to me ; they had orders from the masters to do so. Never received any notice during the time I have been there of there being danger. Never knew of an accumulation of gas in the waste. I had inspected the pit between 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning of Saturday, before the men went to work. I never saw her in better trim than she was in at that time. The current of fresh air was strong ; there was no indication of gas. I considered it then to be perfectly safe. We consider it safe to work the "whole coal" with candle, but the "broken" is worked with Davy lamps, as a precaution against danger from gas coming off by accident.

Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts. — It is not prudent to work the "broken" with candles, and I do not know of any of the men having done so. Do not work the waste with candle. It is always dangerous to draw a "jud," but sometimes the danger is greater than at other times. Cannot say whether the accident arose from a small or large quantity of gas. Cannot form an opinion from the choke-damp, or the ground it extended over. Cannot say whether or not there was an accumulation of gas where the accident occurred. On the 21st, and on the 28th of the month, I examined the place very closely, but could discover no accumulation of gas. There is no connexion between the waste and the place where candles are used. There are no "whole boards" going at the Meadows flat. The Meadows flat is about 150 yards from the "waste" going through the groove. There is a distinct return drift, independent of the groove. The size of the drift is 6 feet by 5½.

Cross-examined by Mr. Jude. — The lamp found by Mr. Scott was without a plug. I was present when it was found; it was near the "jud." I cannot account for the plug being wanting. It was about 300 or 400 yards from the place where the accident is supposed to have occurred to the nearest naked light. I am appointed inspector of the mine by the masters ; it is not usual for the men to have inspectors on their part. I think from the appearance it was impossible the fall could have been caused by the explosion. The timber had been taken out. There was timber knocked out in other parts of the mine. That was caused by the explosion, and at some of those places the stone had fallen. The timber where the explosion took place was drawn and laid on the "horned tram," which must have been done by the men before the explosion. I examined the mine every day.

There were two other lamps found, but I was not present.

Cross-examined by Mr. Marshall. — The danger of drawing a "jud" arises not from gas, but the falling of the roof. I arrived at bank between 8 and 9 o'clock on Saturday morning.

Cross-examined by Mr. Cleugh, a pitman from Thornley. — If the pit had been working seven years in the "whole coal," and four in the "broken," which being dried was there not danger to be expected, on the drawing of a "jud," that a quantity of gas would come sufficient to destroy all the men in the pit ? — No. Did you ever know gas come from drawing a "jud" before ? — No. Was it your opinion any considerable quantity of gas would probably have come from drawing a "jud?" — No. Was there any probability of the gas coming from any other point to cause the explosion ? — No, and I think the gas in this instance came from the fall. The air current runs at 18 miles an hour. The current is split six times in the "whole" between its entering the workings and coming out of them. Splitting the air increases its efficiency, in my opinion, for the purposes of ventilation. The in-letting course could not be less than 50 square feet, in the least part, but I have not measured it. I have never seen so large airways in any other colliery. The in-letting course is at the bottom of the shaft. There are no pumps in the down-cast shaft. I am not prepared to

say what space is left in the shaft for the air to pass down, but there is quite sufficient, in my opinion, for the ventilation of the mine. In examining the pit to see whether the air is good or bad, I ascertain that fact by using a candle. When the foul air is present there is a blue tinge at the flame, which tapers up to a point. Never saw candles that would exhibit that appearance when there was no gas. Have seen a difference in candles ; but never saw one show a blue tinge without gas ; it was a gray tinge ; and it arises from the grease of the candles.

If the air be mixed with stithe the candle will carry a large flame, but no blue tint. There is no danger of an explosion when the blue tint is absent. When the gray tint approaches to a white one there is no danger of an explosion. There was no blue appearance in the candle when I went round the pit on the morning before the explosion took place ; the candle presented an ordinary appearance, and gave not the least indication of gas being present. I have tried "the broken" with a lamp, after a fall had taken place, on previous occasions, but never observed any appearance of gas.

John Miller, one of the overmen at Haswell Colliery, examined. — I have charge of the whole of the "Little Pit" where the accident occurred. I went down immediately after the explosion took place, and I have since examined every part of the pit minutely. I am of the opinion the explosion took place in the nine head-ways on the Meadows flat, where the "jud" was taken down. The "jud" had been drawn, and I think a "blower" had come off, or an accident might have happened to the lamp. I produced a Davy lamp much crushed, which had been found by David Wardle ; it was lying with a piece of timber over it, and there was some stone on the timber. My opinion is, the stone had fallen before the explosion took place, as part of the timber had been taken out and piled on the "horned tram." I think the taking away of the timber had caused the stone to fall, and foul air had come away, which might have come in contact with a lamp previously injured by the fall.

Three lamps were found there all damaged. The oil plug was out of one of them. If the lamp had a small wick I think it possible the gas would go through the plug-hole, and so communicate with the flame, especially if the lamp was lying on the slant, as I found it. Did not examine the wick. If the gauze of the lamp were perfect, I think the blow which crushed it would not force the flame through, so as to ignite the gas outside, notwithstanding the injury it received. There is no indication in any other part of the mine to show where the explosion took place. I have been overman of the pit turned nine years. Never considered there had previously been any danger from the accumulation of gas. Never had any complaints from the men concerning the gas.

Was twice through the pit on Saturday, and examined it carefully. The last time I was down I went a little after 5 o'clock in the morning, and came out before 7. There was no appearance of danger then.

Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts. — 15 of the men had safety-lamps in that district at the time of the explosion.

I cannot say whether they have all been found or not. I found six of them myself. They were all perfect except the one I produce broken, and the other wanting the oil-plug. The remainder are down the pit, and may be produced. I cannot identify the lamps I found, except the two I have produced. I examined the others I found, and am sure none of them were defective. All the men in the workings were killed, but three men and a boy, named William Hindmarch, William Raine, William Harrison, and John Thompson, who were at the bottom of the shaft, escaped. The pit is not at work now, but I am not prepared to say whether or not it would be an inconvenience to the owners to have the pit examined.

Cross-examined by Mr. Cleugh. — Cannot say whether or not the lamp found crushed had been hanging on the prop before the fall. Williamson was much burnt in one of his arms. Never travelled the waste, so that I cannot say whether there is any accumulation of gas in it or not.

Mr. Marshall declined putting any questions to this witness.

Cross-examined by the Coroner. — There is no communication between the part of the pit where the candles are used and the "jud." The broken might be safely worked with candle, but, to be more safe, the Davy lamp is used. I always considered the pit to be a safe one. Never observed gas blow off when falls have taken place in this pit on previous occasions, but have seen it come off at other places, and judge that it may have been so here on this occasion. There is no doubt that gas is thrown off when falls occur in the Haswell pit, but where we stand we have not an opportunity of seeing it, for it is carried away by the current without coming near us.

Mr. Roberts, addressing the Coroner, urged upon him and the jury the necessity of examining the mine by some disinterested party, who should report on the matter to the jury ; and also that the remainder of the lamps should be produced.

The Coroner said, the owners had no objection to produce the lamps ; and, as to the examination of the mine, he thought the owners, on a proper representation being made to them, would allow it to be made.

Mr. Roberts said, he wished Mr. Jude, Mr. Mather, and some of the workmen should examine the mine.

The Coroner said, if any examination was made, it should be by some competent party, neither connected with the masters on the one hand, nor the workmen on the other.

Mr. Marshall said, on behalf of the owners, that they had no objection to proper professional men being appointed to examine the mine, but he considered the persons named were biased against the owners, which was a similar course to that taken by Mr. Roberts respecting the witnesses already examined.

Mr. Roberts proposed Mr. Mathias Dunn, a practical viewer, to assist Mr. Mather, who he considered was an indifferent person.

Mr. Marshall said, he thought they could not fix upon the persons to examine the mine to-night. To-morrow the workmen employed in the colliery would be examined, and then the jury might decide whether an examination was or was not necessary. He objected to both the parties named.

Mr. Roberts considered he had a right to bring forward any gentleman as a witness, and he would ask that he be allowed to examine the pit.

The Coroner said, if a party was possessed of information he could summon him to attend and give evidence, but if he had no information on the subject he had not power to compel his attendance or to cause the owners of the colliery to allow him to examine the mine.

Mr. Roberts. — Then, Sir, on behalf of the relatives and friends of the sufferers, I apply now to the owners of the colliery to allow Mr. Mathias Dunn, Mr. James Mather, Mr. Martin Jude, and some of the workmen employed in the pit, to examine the mine, with the view of giving evidence at this inquest.

Mr. Marshall, for the owners, replied, — We have a personal objection to Mr. Dunn, and Mr. Mather is not a practical man. The owners have no objection to the pit being viewed by two persons, one being chosen by the owners, and the other on behalf of the men ; and in that case the owners have no objection to Mr. Mather accompanying them, attended by three or four workmen employed in the colliery.

Mr. Roberts said he proposed Mr. Dunn, and he knew of no other viewer in whom the pitmen had confidence.

In case he refused, he applied to the coroner to adjourn the inquest for time to allow an application to be made to the Secretary of State upon the subject, which he pledged himself to make.

After some warm expressions of disapprobation from Mr. Roberts, Mr. Marshall intimated to the coroner that the men upon the colliery had applied to Mr. Heckles to attend and examine the mine on behalf of the workmen.

Mr. Heckles said he had been applied to by Mr. Cleugh on behalf of the men.

A voice — "Mr. Cleugh does not work at the colliery."

The coroner then ordered the Court to be cleared ; which being done, the Court was adjourned till 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

3rd October 1844

The Colliery Explosion at Haswell Adjourned Inquest Haswell Colliery, Tuesday Night.

The inquest on the bodies of the unfortunate individuals who lost their lives by the explosion at Haswell Colliery on Saturday was resumed this morning, before Mr. Maynard, coroner for the county of Durham.

On the opening of the court Mr. Marshall, who appeared, as on the previous day, on behalf of the owners of the colliery, rose, and said that he was instructed by the owners of the colliery to state that they were anxious that the fullest enquiry should take place, and that they were ready to furnish any information in their power ; and if, after hearing the witnesses to be produced, the coroner and jury should be wishful that the mine should be examined by disinterested professional men, every facility would be rendered to them, the owners leaving it entirely to the coroner and the jury to select the viewers for making the examination.

Mr. Roberts, on behalf of the surviving friends of the sufferers, would make no observations, but merely renew the application that he made last night, for leave for the persons he had named to examine the mine.

The following witnesses were then called and examined :— Robert Beany. — Is a miner, living at Haswell, and worked in that part of the pit where the explosion took place up to Saturday. The ventilation, when I left the pit at 10 o'clock in the morning, was perfectly good. I have wrought seven years and a half in the colliery. The "whole coal" is worked with candles, the "broken" with Davy-lamps. It is quite safe to work the "whole" with candles. I consider the Haswell pit one of the safest pits I ever was down. When I left my work I met other men going from their work — about 50. None of them mentioned that there was danger, and I dare say such a thing was never thought of. Every fresh "shift" of men that go down into the mine, the deputy-overseer goes with them. It is the duty of the deputy to go through every part where the men are at work, and see that all is safe. When it is necessary to put timber in, or carry the "brattice" forward, it is their duty to do it. George Hall, one of the sufferers, was in my place a little before I came away ; he is a deputy and was examining the part. I have not been in the mine, further than the flat since the accident, and therefore can say nothing as to the cause of it. Up to the time I left the mine on Saturday there had been no negligence whatever in respect to the ventilation. I have been accustomed to take down "juds," and have frequently seen falls of stone take place from the roof. Cannot say whether gas escaped or not on these occasions, because I never observed any indication of it at the lamp. If any gas did come, I infer it was carried away by the strong current of air. The current is always particularly strong, stronger than I ever knew it to be in any other pit. I have seen a Geordy-lamp, but know nothing of its capabilities. Always considered the Davy-lamp a safety one to me ; by attending to the indications it gives, I consider there is always sufficient time to get out of the danger, so long as the wire gauze remains uninjured. Our orders are, when the lamp gives indication of the presence of gas, to come out immediately into the fresh air. I can attach blame to no man, either individually or collectively, in this case. I have heard men complain of too much air, when working in the whole part of the mine. This occurs in narrow places, and I have myself, when working in a place about two yards wide, requested the deputy to leave the "brattice" back a little, which would have the effect of throwing less air upon me. I considered the air current in such places too strong for a man to work comfortably in.

Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts. — I only speak of the part of the pit where I worked, and there I travelled through. I have worked in various parts of both pits. Was last in the pit about 2 o'clock on Sunday morning.

When the accident occurred the air was thick, that is, full of dust and "stour," but not so foul as to ignite the lamp, but I found a particularly strong current of air going in. I am unacquainted with "the waste." Foul air may accumulate in "the waste" unknown to the men in the workings. When a fall takes place, and a rush of gas comes out and continues feeding, it is called a "blower." I have seen "blowers" come off in other collieries, but not in this, where there was no fall at all. I cannot say whether "blowers" give any particular warning or not. I recollect one coming off in Waldridge Fell pit through the night, and the man who had left just before saw no indication of its coming. I have not been all through the mine since the accident, only through a small portion of it near the flats. The accident may have occurred in some part where I have not seen. In the part I have seen there are no indications of the explosion having taken place there. My opinion is, it did not take place where I have been since the explosion. I have not been at the place where the stone fell and the deputy was working.

Cross-examined by Mr. Cleugh. — The current of air was quite sufficient, in my opinion, to take the foul air out of the "broken" when I left the pit. I cannot say how far the "broken" at Brockly-whins is from the "whole."

There is a person appointed to examine all the lamps used in the pit before we go into the working. The deputy locks the lamp if he considers it safe, and delivers it to the man. All the lamps I have seen in the colliery have had locks on. Boys of 12 or 13 years of age have Davy-lamps, as they go in to help the "putters;" and the boys who clean the tramway have also lamps. It would not be safe for these boys to have candles. The helpers usually hang their lamps on the props; but the "way-cleaners," I have frequently seen, carry the lamps about with them. Carrying the lamp renders it more liable to injury than when hanging up. Such boys would do badly without a light, and my opinion is that it is necessary they should each have a lamp. The "way-cleaners" work requires him to move from place to place, and it is necessary for him to carry the lamp with him. I have seen "way-cleaners" that have had candles stick them up against the side of the pit, and clean away till they were in the dark, and then shift it. The candle was in the "whole," and I have seen them do the same with the lamps in the "broken." Never saw them dispense with the light altogether. There were no new men, introduced since the strike, employed in the "broken" where I have worked. I have never heard the men complain of the boys having lamps. I have heard the old men complain that the new men were employed in the "waste." They said the strange men were not themselves aware of the danger. These complaints were made in the course of conversation. The parties who complained did not say they apprehended any danger from the strange men working there. If they did apprehend danger it was their duty to inform the master-wasteman. The murmuring was, that if there was danger, the strange men, not being aware of the danger, might hazard their lives and all down. I never heard that the wasteman informed the old men, when they resumed work after the strike, that he had introduced three strange men into the "waste." When I say it was the duty of the men to inform the wastemen of danger, I mean it was the duty of the three strange men, as well as the others, when they saw the danger to report it. The complaint was there might be danger and the strange men not know it. I do not know one man who would hesitate in making a report of danger through fear of losing his work. Never knew Mr. Foster, the viewer, refuse to examine into the complaint of any man upon the colliery. I heard the complaints about the strange men being in the "waste" soon after we had resumed work after the strike. We never stated there were complaints to any of the overmen. I never thought there was danger, but the murmuring arose lest, if there should be danger, the strange men were not sufficiently capable of knowing the danger when they saw it.

By Mr. Foster. — If the three strange men had each an old pitman with him, there would be no danger then. I know two experienced pitmen mentioned, but do not know of myself whether they are employed each with a strange man.

Mr. Foster said they were, and also another old pitman, he named.

By Mr. Cleugh. — A great portion of the responsibility of preserving the lives of the pit's crew depends upon keeping the waste clear. The responsibility of keeping the "waste" clear rests with the master wasteman. The master wasteman in this colliery is an experienced man. It is the duty of the master wasteman to go about from one man to another when the men are working.

By Mr. Foster. — I have no reason to think the men in the "waste" did not do their duty to keep it perfectly safe.

By Mr. Marshall. — The place where the "way-cleaners" are is the most unlikely part of the mine for gas to accumulate. They have to nail the tram-plates when they become loose, and could not do that without a light.

By the Coroner. — According to the best of my judgement, the explosion has been the result of accident.

Joseph Short. — Is a pitman, and lives at Haswell. Has been employed at the Haswell pit eight years and a half ; was last working in it on Saturday morning. I came up about half-past 8 o'clock. I had been working in the Brockly-whins flat for six weeks up to that time, in the third wide board on the low side of the flat. When I left the ventilation was as good as could be. I had not the slightest apprehension of danger from explosion.

Worked in the "whole" part, and used candles. There was not the slightest indication by the candle of the presence of inflammable air. Went down the pit again at half-past 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. Could then see that an explosion had taken place. I have never been in the "broken" at that part of the mine where I work, but have been in the "broken" at the Meadows flat. It was some hundred yards from the broken in the Meadows flat to where I was working with candle. Have not been in the Meadows flat since the strike. Have been to the Meadows-way since the explosion, but did not see in the part I was any indication of the place where the explosion commenced. I consider the Davy-lamp a safe one, if the indications it gives are attended to. Would prefer the Davy-lamp to every other. I have carried my lamp occasionally from place to place. The current of air was strong where I was carrying it. Never saw the flame forced through the wire gauze by the current. Never heard any complaint made against the ventilation during all the time I have worked at the pit.

The pit was as safe a one as I was ever in in my life. Have been in other pits where there was little gas, as in the Haswell pit.

Mr. Roberts at the conclusion of the last witness's examination rose and said, as far as he was concerned, he had no wish to hear any further evidence of the same character as that adduced.

Mr. Marshall said the owners wished every man in the colliery that could throw light on the cause of the accident might be examined, and especially those who had left the mine but a short time before it occurred.

The Coroner said he should consider he was doing very wrong if he were now to adjourn the inquest on the suggestion of any individual. He was willing to examine all the witnesses brought before him. He was not there for any person, but the public, and he considered it would be proper to take the evidence of those who had left the mine just before the accident.

Mr. Roberts assented to the propriety of this course.

Thomas Joplin. — Is a miner, living at Haswell, and has been employed about two years and a half in the Haswell pit. Left the pit about 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, 20 minutes before the explosion. Had been working on the third board of the Brookly-whins flat, on the high side. Have worked during the last month.

When I left my work I saw no fault with the ventilation. I had not the least fear of any explosion. When I came out I went down the narrow board, and right along the waggon-way to the shaft. I took my candle with me all the way, and if there had been any accumulation of gas it would have been indicated ; but I did not see any such indication. The ventilation was as good as possible. As I came out I would meet the current of air that goes to the ninth board of the Meadows flat, at the Meadows Way-end. It was strong, and I think quite sufficient for the ventilation of the part. Never had occasion to complain of the ventilation, nor have I heard others complain. Went down the pit again at 4 o'clock ; was at the Meadows flat, and both of the Brocklywhins flat. Found 20 men lying dead in the straight headways from the Brockly-whins flat. They had not been burnt at all. Nickolson, who was lying at the top of the flat, was burnt in the head and clothes. He worked in that part of the pit. Did not observe any indication of the explosion having commenced there. Thinks the explosion did not commence there, but in the Meadows flat, because all the stoppings were blown over towards the Brockly-whins flat. Have not seen the place where the "jud" was taken out. If the explosion had taken place in the Brockly-whins flat, the stoppings must have been blown the contrary way. Considered the stoppings sufficiently strong for the purpose for which they were made. Never knew a dam put in for the purpose of a stopper. If the stoppings had not been broken down, I think all the men in the Brockly-whins flat would have been saved. If the stoppings had not been blown down, the after-damp might have killed the men in the Brockly-whins flat, but I think it would have been carried away by the current of air. There was a crossing or overcast blown down, which had it remained would have carried the air further in, and there would have

been more chance of the men being saved. I think it possible to build a stopper that would not have been blown down. I do not know the "waste." From what I have seen the explosion arose, as far as I am able to judge, from an accident.

By Mr. Roberts. — Have never been concerned in an explosion before. The stoppings were sufficiently strong, I mean, to keep the air tight.

By the Coroner. — That is the only purpose for which they are made.

By Mr. Cleugh. — The overcast had fallen in the middle of the way. It had been made of brick and mortar.

By Mr. Marshall. — I was a hewer in the colliery, and had the misfortune to lose my brother.

By the Coroner. — No blame could be attached to any person.

William Farith. — Is a pitman, and lives at Haswell Colliery. Has worked there about two years and a half. Was at work on Saturday, and left at 10 o'clock. John Curry and Henry Wheatman followed me in, and their bodies were found in the same "jud" in which I had been working, which was the one Williamson was taking down.

The ventilation, when I left, appeared good, and had always been so, as far as I know. There was no deficiency of air. Considered the pit one of the best ventilated ones I had ever been in. I am 53 years of age last May, and have been employed as a pitman about 44 years. When I left there was no appearance of gas. Consider the Davy-lamp a safety one, if the indications it gives are properly attended to. In my opinion the explosion arose from an accident, and not from negligence.

By Mr. Marshall. — I have worked in nine different collieries in my lifetime and never knew one better ventilated than this. I have had the misfortune to lose a son by the explosion. When we were at work on Saturday morning we heard a rumbling in the "goaf" (erroneously printed "groove" in yesterday's report) like the rolling of thunder. It was not usual to hear such a noise. We thought it was above where we were working.

We retired, and when the noise ceased we returned. Between that time and the time of our leaving the pit our lamps did not give any indication of gas. We heard the noise a second time, almost immediately after our return. It was not so loud as the first. We told John Williamson, the deputy, who was killed, we saw one of the old boards had fallen in, and he told us that must be the cause of the noise. I have not examined the pit so as to form an opinion where the explosion took place.

Ralph Errington. — Is a pitman working at Haswell Colliery, and has been employed there nearly eight years.

Worked in the ninth headway with the last witness. Left at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, when the ventilation was as good as usual. His evidence was much the same as that of the preceding witness.

By Mr. Roberts. — If a current of air had been going through the place where the accident occurred, it would not have taken place.

By Mr. Cleugh. — When a "broken jud" is drawn, it is generally thought by pitmen that a quantity of gas is thrown out. If a large quantity of gas escaped, and came in contact with the flame of the lamp, it would be likely to explode if the current of air were ever so good.

By Mr. Roberts. — An explosion would be less probable in a good current than a bad one. When gas escapes from the roof or sides, and there be no current of air, the gas accumulates. If the current be strong enough it, of course, carries the gas away. I think it desirable to have a current of air in every part of the pit.

By the Coroner. — I never considered that a sufficient current was ever wanting in that part of the mine where I worked. I have complained myself, and heard others complain, that the current was too strong. It is safer to have a strong current, but it is heavy on the men. The air had to travel 1,400 yards from the shaft to where the explosion took place.

Thomas Scott, a pitman at Haswell Colliery. — Had worked six or seven years in the waste. Had been working for a month before Monday night in the return air course from where the explosion is supposed to have commenced. Had been all through the waste and found no accumulation of gas. The ventilation was very good. I have been in the "waste" to-day, and when I left at 12 o'clock the current of air was as strong as ever (His subsequent evidence was similar to that of the preceding witness.) There are three strange men in the "waste," but each is placed along with an experienced workman, and had no charge whatever. The experienced men have to take charge of the others, and of their lamps too. Never saw a lamp fire in the "waste," even in the most dangerous part, in the "goaf." It was possible enough for an explosion to take place even when a current of air was going into every part of the pit. The return drifts are double all the way to the furnace, so that if one be injured, the other continues the circulation.

Edward Fenwick Boyd, colliery viewer at Urpeth Colliery, was next sworn and examined. — I am in no way connected with the Haswell Colliery, or the owners. I have been down the pit since the explosion took place, and examined the Meadows flat, particularly the return drift. Found a good air travelling on, going in the direction of the return drift. Saw marks on the wall sides, and in the timber made by the explosion, which marks were all in one direction, indicating the course the explosion had gone. Also examined the stoppings and the crossings in the "rolly" way in a contrary direction from the working. Timbers were thrown down in the "rolly" way, and some large falls of stone from the roof had taken place. The inference from these appearances is, that the explosion took place near the highest headway course in the Meadows flat, and near to the face of the working place. Also examined a few of the boards adjoining to that way. I found indications of fire in that direction. The blast had gone that way, but the fire had not been so strong. As check-viewer for the owner of the royalties, I have been in the habit of going down the pit from the commencement of the colliery. I visited the pit half-yearly, and particularly the place where the explosion occurred, and all that side of the colliery.

Have had different opportunities of travelling the waste. Have also had the opportunity of comparing the working of the colliery with upwards of 20 others which I inspect, and it excels them all except one, in respect to ventilation, and general attention and direction paid to it. Believe there are no means known that could have been adopted to render the circulation of air better. Have had opportunities of comparing the temperature of the air at the points of ingress and egress in this colliery with that of other pits. Before going into the pit at Haswell the air I found by experiment to be 46 degrees, and at the bottom of the shaft, 152 fathoms deep, 53 degrees ; at the return, just before going over the furnace, 61 degrees, where the men were working 51 degrees. On one occasion, in hot weather, the air was cooler when coming out, after having travelled through the workings, than when it went in. It entered the shaft at 67 degrees, and returned to the furnace at 61 degrees. Attributes the explosion to accident, and has no doubt it took place in the Meadows flat. A current of air will carry the flame through the wire gauze of the lamp, when the gauze has become red hot. I have seen seven or eight lamps all blown out by the fall of stone in withdrawing a "jud." An explosion might take place from the fall causing the gas to pass too rapidly through the gauze. If the stoppings and crossings that were blown out could have been built sufficiently firm to have resisted the blast, a worse result might have taken place. The two shaft doors that form the separation between the down-cast and the up-cast pits might have been blown down, and the result would have been the destruction of the whole of the men in the other pit.

At the termination of this witness's evidence the inquest was again adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

Between 80 and 90 of the sufferers were buried yesterday, and the remainder to-day. The procession was indeed a melancholy one, and few saw it without shedding tears.

The following are the names of the sufferers, and the places of their interment, and it will be seen the majority of them are young men in the prime of life :— Buried at Easington :— Joseph Gibson, aged 50 years, Richard Gibson, 15, William Gibson, 12, John Gibson, 20 (father and three sons) ; Home Ward, 39, John Dixon, 15, William Dixon, 16 (brothers) ; Henry Mather, 19 ; Mark Davison, 16 ; Thomas Nicholson, 16 ; Robert Nicholson, 11 ; John Gilroy, 14 ; William Gilroy, 16 ; John Brown, 42 ; D. Lemon ; John Curry, 39 ; Robert Roscamp, 32 ; William Roscamp, 22 ; William Dixon, 46, John Dixon, 21 (father and son) ; John Ridley, 28 ; James Maryhan, 23 ; George Richardson, 29 ; John Brown, 17 ; William Rutledge, 18 ; William Nicholson, 18 ; William Harrison, 13 ; John Harrison, 12 ; James Turnbull, 12 ; James Sanderson, 24. Buried at South Hetton :— George Hall, 38 ; Robert Hall, 12 ; John Ferry, 35 ; George Ferry, 14 ; Robert Douglas, 32 ; John

Williamson, 34 ; Robert Williamson, 19 ; John Nobel, 40 ; John Curley, 30 ; William Thompson, 35 ; Elliott Richardson, 38 ; John E. Richardson, 14 ; Joseph Wolfe, 25 ; Peter Wolfe, 20 ; Charles Teasdale, 21 ; John Teasdale, 19, Stephen Teasdale, 17 (brothers) ; Mick Thurlway, 18 ; Richard Surtees, 19, John Surtees, 16, William Surtees, 12 (brothers) ; George Dryden, 18, Robert Dryden, 16, James Dryden, 15, Thomas Dryden, 22 (four brothers) ; C. Nicholson, 16 ; Robert Hogg, 20 ; George Hislop, 20 ; Michael Clough, 14 ; Henry Clough, 12 ; Matthew Clough, 10 ; John Willis, 20 ; Thomas Willis, 18 ; James Richardson, 41 ; John Willis, 12 ; James Robson, 11 ; Henry Weightman, 42 ; William Weightman, 14 ; William Dobson, 50 ; George Dawson, 53 ; Thomas Moody, 25 ; James Moffat, 25 ; John Parkinson, 28 ; William Feurist, 30 ; William Jobbing, 29 ; John Whitfield, 31 ; John Whitfield, jun., 10 ; Thomas Bottoms, 17 ; Peter Hutchinson, 21 ; Thomas Turnbull, 22 ; J. Laylands ; John Sanderson, 40 ; John Hall, 10 ; Robert Carr, 26. Buried at Halgarth :— William Elsdon, 22 ; George Elsdon, 18 ; Thomas Briggs, 61 ; John Briggs, 35 ; James Briggs, 10 ; William Barras, 32 ; John Barras, 10. Buried at Gateshead :— George Bell, 31 ; Joseph Bell, 28 ; William Taylor, 21 ; William Davidson, 26.

Several practical miners have had an opportunity of examining the workings of the mine, with the view, if possible, of throwing more light upon the cause of the melancholy catastrophe. There is every determination to sift the matter thoroughly, and it is hoped with a beneficial result as to the future.

The inquest room has been crowded on both days, and many parties have visited the place from a distance.

The pit still remains idle, and will probably continue so till after the inquest terminates.

4th October 1844

The Colliery Explosion at Haswell Adjourned Inquest Haswell Colliery, Wednesday Night.

The adjourned inquest on the bodies of the sufferers in the colliery explosion at Haswell, in the county of Durham, was resumed this morning, before Mr. Maynard, when the following witnesses were examined :— Robert Thompson, master-wasteman at Haswell-pit, having been sworn, said — It is my duty, after the air leaves the working part of the pit, and enters upon the "waste," to see that the "waste" is in a safe state, and wrought to certain dimensions. Was in part of the "waste" on Friday night. Was last in the skirt of the Meadows-flat-waste on Wednesday night, but was not through the whole of it. When I was at the "skirt" I was quite satisfied that at the return the current of air was sufficient to ventilate the Meadows-flat workings.

Cannot tell the quantity of air that was circulating per minute. Cannot go into every part of the "waste" daily ; nor do I or my employers think it necessary. The men working in the "waste" are directed in the first place to preserve their lamps, and I have often told them that self-preservation was a duty they owed to themselves.

They are also directed to work to a certain size ; and if they should come in contact with any gas, to withdraw instantly, and to remain away till they give notice to me ; but I never knew an instance at the colliery when this had to be done. Since the explosion I have been through the Meadows-waste, and I think the explosion has not taken place there. I swear positively that is my opinion. There are not the least indications of the explosion having happened there, as there is no injury done to the stoppings, and no more dirt or dust than usual. I examined the whole of the return "drift" this morning, and on Sunday night I examined as far as the pillars, but did not then think it prudent to go further, as the after-damp was coming off from the "Meadows" so strong at that moment. This morning I found the whole of the "waste" in a perfect state. I cannot think, after examining the "drift" that the explosion took place for want of ventilation. At the time of the explosion I can positively swear the ventilation was perfectly good. Have two men employed as "wastemen" who have not been so employed before, and another new man, who had been previously so employed. Do not think it at all dangerous to employ these men, as three experienced "wastemen" accompany them, and have charge of them. The explosion has not happened from any defect in the "waste." I have been employed as a "wasteman" above 9 years. Never heard any complaints among the men at this colliery of a want of ventilation in the entire colliery, but, on the contrary, they have frequently complained of too much air.

By Mr. Roberts. — Was never in a pit at the time of an explosion, but am well aware of the measures that should be taken to prevent it. Cannot say how long before an explosion the gas would indicate danger on the flame of a lamp, — it might be a day or a week. In such a case as this the explosion would be instant. The indication and the explosion would be simultaneous. If there is foul air in a colliery it will naturally be found on the "waste." There were no candles at all used in the Meadows-flat workings — lamps only. There is no communication between the "waste" and the place where candles are used at the Brockly-whins-flat, except by the "rolly-way," where there is a "man-door." Foul air from the "waste" would have to travel 300 yards before it came to where candles were used. The Brockly-whins-flat dips a little, and inflammable air flies to the highest point. I think foul air could not accumulate in the "waste" without my knowing it ; but cannot account for what may come off at an old "goaf," where the roof is let down, and where foul air may accumulate. It is my duty to examine the air course at the "goaf." Have never seen but once gas appear at the "goaf," where there was a small quantity which just tailed off at the lamp, barely sufficient to be observed. Gas may be both

generated and accumulated in the "goaf," but not in the "waste," without my knowing it. Am absent from some parts of the "waste" for hours together. Cannot be in all parts of the "waste" at once, but always leave every part I visit in a proper state. The "waste" is protected by a current of air passing through it. If it were not for that current of air, the "waste" could not be kept free from the gas. If there were no current of air, there would be a rapid accumulation of gas. Go from place to place in the "waste" during the day, remaining at each as long as may be required. From some places in the "waste" I would venture to stop away a week without fear of danger, but I never do so, but I make it a practice to go over all parts of the "waste" frequently. If I saw danger from the careless working of any man, I have power to report it to Mr. Forster, the viewer, and the man would be discharged. If any incompetent man were kept at work, it would be my fault. The "waste" is now in the same state as it was before the explosion. Men are now at work in the pit, making preparations to resume work again. They began on Sunday night or Monday morning to put in the "stoppings." The bodies could not have been got if "brattice stoppings" had not been put in. I dare go in now, and hew coal with a lamp, at the place where the explosion happened, the ventilation is now so good. It is not in my power to suggest any plan to prevent future explosions, from the experience I have had on this occasion. Cannot say whether or not it is possible for a similar accident to happen as soon as the men resume work, but do not think it probable, because I think something happened out of the common order when this explosion took place. I firmly believe the ventilation of the pit cannot be more perfect and secure than it is.

By Mr. Cleugh. — The nearest point to the "goaf" from the Meadows-flat is 100 yards. The boy at the flat had a candle when he was last there, which is about a fortnight since.

By the Coroner. — If anything went wrong, there would be danger in a boy having a candle in that place. Never saw anything else but candles used by the boys at the flat.

By Mr. Marshall. — There would be no danger in the use of a candle there if the ventilation were kept up the right way. There are two trap-doors between the flat and the working.

By Mr. Cleugh. — There is not an open communication between the "goaf" and the flat. The doors are sometimes open together, and when this is the case it is a benefit to the men working in the "juds," who receive a better current of air. Cannot say whether there was a large "goaf" standing or not at the time of the explosion. It is the overman's duty to see to that. Considers he would be a very clever fellow, if he could ventilate the "goaf." It is his duty to ventilate the "goaf" at the return. All that can be done is to ventilate the "goaf" at the shore on the outside. This has always been done in Haswell-pit, and is as much as is sufficient to ventilate it, as a sufficiency of air comes over it.

By the Coroner. — I cannot see that anything more can be done to ventilate the "goaf" than what has been done.

By Mr. Cleugh. — If a tremendous fall came in the "goaf" it might force away gas that came off on the candle used at the "Meadows-flat" if the two doors were open. Was one of the first men to get to the Meadows-flat after the explosion took place. Cannot say in what state the separation was in. A little boy was there dead severely burnt, but cannot say whether he was the "flat" boy or not. Assuming that the explosion had taken place at the Meadows-flat, I think the crossing would have been injured, and the fire would have come under the crossing. When the fire came to the crossing it turned the crossing out at each side and filled the space. It would expand there because the crossing is weaker than the wall sides. Have not yet got that experience to erect a crossing that would withstand such an explosion. The Brockly-whins-flat is a pillar and a half from the whole, the distance about 44 yards.

By Mr. Marshall. — There is a stopping between the men working in the "broken" and those in the "whole," which I think would be a protection to the men taking down the "jud," but it would be better taken down when the men are not working at the "whole."

By Mr. Cleugh. — The "broken" and the "whole" are ventilated by two different currents of air. There is not a communication between the "broken" and the Brockly-whins-flat by means of a door, but there is a communication between the "broken" and the "whole" a short distance from the "flat" by doors, and the

"broken" is ventilated at those two doors. The doors have nothing to do with the "whole," The deputy's chest stood, the last time I saw it, between two doors at the Meadows-flat. Considers the Davy-lamp a perfect safety to the miner. A strong current of air might blow the flame through the gauze of the lamp. Shields are used to the lamp to prevent such an occurrence, and also to keep the light burning.

By Mr. Marshall. — The men are now employed putting in the same stoppings that were in before, to make the pit ready for working.

By Mr. Roberts. — I mean by "the common order," things that do not usually happen in the working of collieries — that are mysteries altogether. The cause of the explosion is involved in mystery. I think it desirable for the safety of the men that the mystery should be cleared up, if possible, but do not think the mystery would be cleared up by an examination of the mine — it would be only conjecture at the last.

Thomas Emmerson Forster — Is a viewer of Haswell Colliery, and has been so since the commencement. Was down the big pit on the Monday previous to the explosion, but have not been in the little pit where the explosion took place since August. Have been ill, and that prevented me going down. When down the big pit was able to know how the ventilation was going on in the little pit. The downcast shaft is 12 feet in diameter, and the upcast shaft 9½ feet, they being about 40 yards apart. At the bottom of the down-cast shaft the air is divided into two columns, that of the little pit being 37,730 cubic feet per minute, that of the big or engine-pit 35,000 feet. The column of air that goes into the little pit proceeds about 600 yards from the shaft to the north-east, along the main "rolly-way," at which point the air is again divided ; about one-fourth of it goes to the north, for the purpose of ventilating the northern and western "wastes" of the pit. From that point threefourths of the column proceeds to the Meadows-way-end, at which point it is again divided, and about onethird of that goes up for the purpose of ventilating the Meadows-flat, the other part of the air going into the Brockly-whins flat. At the face of the Mothergate-flat the air is again divided, one portion going to the boards on the left, and the other to the district on the right. The working of the pillars to the right and left of Brocklywhins-flat is aired by a scale from the air, which works the boards on each side. At the Meadows-way about one-third of the column goes directly up the face of the Mothergate, with the exception of a scale that goes through the doors at the Meadow-flat. This air proceeds up the Mothergate, and immediately distributes itself into the headway courses at that district. The air at that flat is also assisted by the air which ventilates the Brockly-whins-flat at the left side, which air presses over the crossing a short distance from the Meadows-flat ; both this and the air that goes up the Mothergate being by a regulator placed in the highest headway-course.

A regulator is a sort of door placed in the headway-course to check the air, and force it through the "goaf."

That air having done its duty at the Meadows-flat, and a portion having gone through the "goaf," the remainder discharges itself into a free air course, and completely surrounds the "goaf" at that district, and then joins the other air that passes through the "goaf." The diameter of the pit is sufficient to supply air for the ventilation of the whole colliery. The quantity of air that goes down the Haswell pit is unprecedented in the coal trade. I state this without fear of contradiction. It is, in my opinion, sufficient for the ventilation of the mine. There have never been any complaints made to me of the ventilation being imperfect. I have frequently had complaints of the current being too strong. The men were fairly starved. Have had on more than one occasion to fine men for preventing the air going up to the face of the board where the men were working. As far as I know, nothing had been left undone which could have rendered the ventilation of the mine more perfect. In fact, when I heard of the accident I could not credit it. I have examined the air courses since the explosion. On Saturday, when the explosion took place, I was at Newcastle. It might have been 8 or half-past 8 when I received the information, and I proceeded immediately to the pit. Went down, and to the Meadowsflat. I think two of the bodies had been then got. Proceeded four pillars up the flat, at which point I saw the dead bodies of several men who had been brought there. Three of them were burnt. Did not see where those men had been brought from. After remaining there for some time, I was able to get up as high as the ninth headway course, where I felt the after-damp so strong I was obliged to return. I then went from that point to Brockly-whins-flat to bring the unfortunate sufferers from the low side. 14 of these were found. Hall, the deputy, was brought out of that side of the flat, and his watch was going, showing there had been no fire on that side of the pit. I am enabled to swear positively that there had been no fire at that part of the pit — by fire, I mean explosion. He was then so ill that he came back between 2 and 3 o'clock ; returned at 7 o'clock.

Before going to "bank," they had found 47 of the sufferers, and when I returned at 7 all had been found but two. I, with Scott and others, went and searched for the bodies of Mark Davidson and Thomas Buttons.

Davidson was found shortly after in the "headways" course of Brockly-whins-flat, on the left hand side. They

had not been burnt. Thomas Buttons, who was found either in the fourth or fifth "board" in the same "flat," appeared slightly burnt, or had got a blow. The fire did appear to have been at the high part of the Brocklywhins-flat ; but slight. The appearances were not sufficient to show that an explosion had taken place there. I then turned my attention to the Meadows-flat, and on examination of the ninth "headways" course I found the fire had originated at that point, because the props of the timber in the immediate vicinity were very much charred, showing the fire had been the greatest there. I think that after Williamson had drawn the "jud," the fall of stones and the explosion were simultaneous. My opinion is, there had not been an accumulation of gas there. The gas, in my opinion, had been thrown off by the fall. As soon as ever the stone fell, the gas got vent, and rushed out upon the lamps. I think the Injured lamp, which was found near the "jud," had been injured by the fall of stone, and a sudden blow on the lamp had forced the flame out at one side, and it had thus ignited the gas. The fire appears to have been heaviest in the Meadows-flat. In fact, the "stoppings" having been blown out in the direction of the Brockly-whins-flat, convinces me that the explosion originated in the Meadows-flat. The "props" were all charred on the side next the Meadows flat. If the explosion had taken place in the Brockly-whins-flat, the props would have been charred on the contrary side. Have no doubt the explosion took place at Williamson's "jud." Have been in the "air courses" since, so far as to convince myself that they are now right, and also that the ventilation had been good previous to the explosion. I believe the ventilation before the explosion was perfect. I consider the ventilation of the "goaf" is sufficient to prevent danger from an accumulation of gas there. I know of no other means than what I have already stated by which the ventilation could be improved. The ventilation in the entire pit is as perfect as can be accomplished by any known means. I know of nothing that could have been done to prevent this explosion. I heard one of the witnesses speak of having heard a rumbling noise in the "goaf." I attribute it to the superincumbent stone easing itself down on the pillars of coal, they no being sufficient to sustain its weight. It might arise from some pent-up gas. It is my opinion that by an investigation of the mine by scientific and practical men the cause of the explosion could not be obtained with certainty. Have done every thing for the protection of the men that could in my opinion be done.

By Mr. Roberts. — Is not an owner of this colliery, nor beneficially interested in any colliery. Believes an accumulation of gas in the "goaf" was impossible. The "workings" extend over about 250 acres. The longest distance from end to end of that surface is better than 1,600 yards in a direct line. The number of yards the air has to travel between entering the pit and the coming out of it might be about four miles — half a mile more or less. The shafts are each 312 yards in length. Do you think any man, however scientific he may be, can see more as to the cause of the explosion, by examining the mine, than I have myself done. Was last in the pit this morning, and have been over the whole of the Meadows-flat with a naked candle. Have no objection to any other viewer in the coal trade. Am not aware that Mr. Mathias Dunn was ever in any way connected with this pit.

Mr. Marshall said he might recall to the notice of the coroner that he had stated the owners had no objection to any one the coroner and jury might appoint.

Mr. Forster resumed. — My reason for objecting to Mr. Dunn is an apprehension that, from a private pique he has to me, he might do an injury to the owners. Think Mr. Dunn could do me no injury by examining the pit as proposed, if he told the truth. Mr. Dunn has been a viewer. He is a practical viewer. If I might observe, he has unfortunately had many serious accidents in the mines under his charge.

Mr. Roberts said — "A burnt child dreads the fire ;" on which the coroner remarked that he should allow of no such observations. Mr. Roberts repeated the expression, and persisted in making other improper remarks, on which the coroner ordered him out of court ; but, on promising to conduct himself properly, he was allowed to continue the cross-examination.

Examination resumed. — Mr. Dunn comes with the definition of a "practical man." Have no other reason to object to Mr. Dunn than what I have stated. The Hetton colliery is larger than this. The Lambton, Rainton, and other collieries are larger in respect to the workings. There are many smaller. This may be considered as an average large colliery. Have heard of an accident at another colliery from a sudden discharge of gas, but not exactly under similar circumstances to this. The gas generates from the coal, but it frequently comes off with the stone. Should not think from a large quantity of gas being found in the roof that it had exuded from the sides and accumulated there. I don't think the discharge of gas in this case has been large. I judge this from the

little damage done to the pit, and the small extent to which the fire has gone. Cannot form any opinion as to the number of cubic feet of gas exploded. It is the duty of inspectors and overmen to guard against accumulations of gas, and attend to the safety of the men. If there had been an accumulation of gas the neglect would have been with some of the witnesses examined on this inquest.

By the Coroner. — I don't mean if there had been an accumulation of gas above the "jud," but in any part of the workings. If an accumulation of gas had taken place during the back shift it would have been the fault of the deputy who has been killed. The lamps are locked by the deputy to prevent the men removing the gauze. I am not aware of any practice of turning one lamp to another. If it be done one of the lamps must be placed nearly horizontal. To do that it is necessary to draw out the plug that confines the oil. It depends upon the quantity of oil and the wick whether the external air in doing this will pass through the tube, and so communicate with the flame. If in doing that carbonated hydrogen came in contact with the flame it might explode, and undoubtedly would, in the inside of the gauze, but I cannot say whether or not it would extend to the outside. Cannot say whether or not the present accident might have arisen from such a cause. Though the flame would be thrown against the gauze by placing the lamp in a horizontal position, I do not think it would go through the gauze without considerable pressure, or the gauze was very oily. We do all in our power to prevent it getting oily. The flame would ignite the oil, and so communicate with the outside. The men are desired to keep their lamps as clean as possible, and if a man present his lamp to the deputy to be examined, and the latter found it oily, he would not allow the man to go to his work. If a lamp got a blow it might get oily.

Know of no other cause to make it oily. Am not aware that it is usual for such an accident to happen to a lamp ; having given orders that the lamps should not be oily when the men go to work. Have seen the Geordy-lamp.

Know very little about it. Have never seen it used. Believe the Geordy-lamp is used at two or three collieries ; it is used at Killingworth and at Springwell. Know nothing of the opinion of those who use it as to its efficiency.

Have given great attention to the means of preventing explosions. I consider good ventilation and great care with the Davy-lamp, when it is necessary to be used, the best means. Have heard of no suggestions from other parties for the general improvement of the ventilation in mines. Have read the report of the South Shields Mining Committee, but do not recollect any suggestion by them to the effect that the diameter of the works should not be more than half a mile ; but I recollect that it was stated before a committee of the House of Commons, when the works were larger, that more shafts should be sunk. I don't think if that had been done in this instance it would have been better for the men. In general it would be so. I certainly do not think from 4 to 5 miles too long a distance for the air to travel for safety. The air became very little damp in the Haswell-pit ; only that portion which comes up by an engine where there is a reservoir of water. A discharge of gas may possibly come off when the men return to work, but I have no means of judging whether it be probable or not.

Do not think it desirable or necessary for the safety of the men that a stronger current of air should pass through the pit where men work with lamps. Experienced men could not have a contrary opinion, if aware of all the facts as to the situation and the quantity of air passing through. Believe every man in the colliery has full confidence in me. I think it would be more satisfactory to the living, and to the friends of the deceased, if persons chosen by themselves without reference to any pique of mine were allowed to examine every part of the pit. It is in the hands of the coroner and the jury whether they think it necessary for Mr. Matthias Dunn to examine the pit or not. I say he should, I have no objection. Will go myself with any of the pitmen who may require it, and show them anything. Will not consent that the pit shall remain in its present state till an inspector can be sent down from Government to examine it, but will put the pit into the same state it was in before the explosion took place, and it may be examined by an inspector, should the Government think that necessary.

By Mr. Cleugh. — Am acquainted with the seventh headway at the Meadows-flat. There is a door in the wall between the Mothergate and the first board in the sixth pillar. The distance from that door to the nearest verge of the "goaf" is 88 yards. I am aware that candles are taken up to that door, and consider it safe to do so.

It is a "fly-door" put up for the benefit of the men in the sixth, seventh and eighth headways. If it were a "flydoor," as I believe it was, there would be no wages paid to any one for keeping it, because it would be selfacting. Am not aware of any dislike by pitmen to "fly-doors" on account of any danger arising from there. Am not aware that such a complaint was one of the causes of the last strike. Am aware that in the bond sent in by the men to the masters there was a clause that there should be no "fly-doors." There was nothing but the pressure of the air between any foul air in the "goaf" and the Mothergate, beside that door. Every one in the pit knew they had not to go through that door without a candle. Would think an old man would have more sense than to go through a door than a boy placed there to prevent him. The door itself would warn a man not

to go through. The door could not be left open, as it would shut itself. It is not suspended from the roof. Never had a complaint that the doors were left open by the "putters," but I have known doors left open by the "trappers" falling asleep. "Fly-doors" are better than doors having boys at them. The boys are paid 10d a-day ; but it not for the expense. I think "fly-doors" are safer. The fewer doors and the fewer boys the better. Am not aware of one of the doors having been propped open on Saturday. Am aware the deputy's chest stands between two doors. A naked candle is used there, and if the door were open there would be no stopping between the naked candle and the "goaf." If a quantity of gas were thrown off in the "goaf" it might reach the place where the candle was, if there were not a sufficient current of air to resist the gas. Believe it would not have gone out at the Meadows branch if the stoppings and crossings had not been blown down. She relieved herself by blowing down the stoppings. That gave more room for the expansion of the air. Saw a horse and waggon fastened in the "drift." There was a road past them when I got there, But, granting they had been ever so tightly stopped in that would not have prevented it reaching the Brockly-whins-flat and Meadows-way, if the stoppings had not been blown down. Have never heard of a stopper constructed with a flap and a prop, so that if the prop were blown out the flapper would come down and fill the stoppings again. Do not know that ever Mr. Buddle recommended such a stopping. My opinion is, it would be of no more use than a piece of paper.

By Mr. Roberts. — Should the Government determine to appoint inspectors of mines, as of factories, I should have no objection myself, but do not consider it desirable. Know other mines, but decline to give an opinion as, foreign to this inquiry, whether the appointment of inspectors would insure greater safety to the men. In some instances it might.

By Mr. Cleugh. — Have not heard of a candle being found in Williamson's "jud."

By Mr. Marshall. — Am not of the opinion that the inspectors appointed by Government could have done anything to secure the safety of this mine that I have not done. Have no reason to believe there was any neglect on the part of Williamson, the deputy who was killed, to cause this explosion ; on the contrary, I believe him to have been a very careful man. There was only one lamp found without a plug in it. Oil could not be poured from one lamp to the other without two plugs being out.

By Mr. Roberts. — One plug might have been replaced after the oil was poured out, and the air might have gone through the plug-hole, and so caused the explosion.

By Mr. Marshall. — That is possible, but not probable. It would depend on what supply of oil was in the wick, and how long the lamp burned after the oil was poured out. Cannot say whether or not I have given positive orders that the men should not pour oil from one lamp to another. The boys hanging lamps at the trap-door are none of them below 10 years of age, but from that to 13 years. Have had occasion to discharge boys for having neglected to shut the doors. Have had sufficient experience of the Davy-lamp to give an opinion as to its safety. In my opinion it is perfectly safe, unless some damage occurs to prevent it. Have seen it used for months together, day after day, in places where there were large quantities of gas, with the lamp constantly on fire within the gauze, and very frequently the top of the gauze red hot. It was then used with perfect safety.

At the conclusion of this evidence the room was cleared, and the jury, having consulted together, agreed to adjourn till Wednesday in next week. They were also of opinion that it was desirable to have the mine examined by practical men, and it was determined that the Coroner should request Mr. Nicholas Wood and Mr. George Hunter to examine the mine in the interval, and report to the jury at their next meeting.

Mr. Roberts applied for Mr. Matthias Dunn to be appointed, but the jury did not consider it necessary to include him. Mr. Roberts put it to the Coroner several times, who at last gave a positive refusal. He intimated, at the same time, that Mr. Mather might, if he thought proper, accompany the gentlemen appointed by the jury.

Mr. Roberts left the room.

The inquest was then adjourned, and the several jurymen bound in their recognizances to attend on Wednesday next.

It was understood that the pit would be left in the same state as it was after the explosion, except as to the replacing of the "stoppings," and repairing other damage. All pit work will be suspended, so that the viewers will have every opportunity that can be had of forming a judgement on the matter.

5th October 1844

Colliery Accidents The recent terrible explosion at Haswell, which has well nigh deprived a village of its adult male population, and excited such a deep and painful interest throughout the country, cannot fail to be productive of some good, by awakening public attention, and especially the attention of Government and the Legislature, to the frequency of accidents in coal mines. As a proof of their frequency, the following paragraphs, which appear consecutively in the Gateshead Observer of last Saturday, may be cited :— "An inquest was held at Murton Colliery, on the 20th ult., on the body of Mathew Stenmon, aged 9 years, who on the day previous was riding upon some waggons underneath the screen, when his head was caught, and he was pulled upon the railway. The waggon went over one of his legs, his head, and one of his wrists. He was immediately taken up, but was quite dead. The boys have been frequently cautioned not to ride upon the waggons. Verdict, "Accidental Death." An inquest was held on Monday, at Shotton, on the body of Thomas Dawson, pitman, aged 56, who, about a fortnight ago, whilst at work in the Shotton pit, was severely crushed by a large stone which fell from the roof. Verdict, "Accidental Death." An inquest was held on the same day, at Thornley, on the body of Currie Lamb, aged 12 years. Deceased was a rolley-driver, and on Saturday last had charge of two rolleys, which were drawn by a horse in the A pit, Thornley colliery, which were laden with some tubs of coal ; and as he came into the shaft siding, he got off the rolley, and was crushed between the last of some empty tubs that were standing in the shaft siding, and the first of the full ones. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Here are three cases in which fellow creatures, two of them mere children, have lost their lives whilst following their usual employments. It does not appear that in any one of these cases there was negligence on the part of the sufferers, and yet there would seem to have been negligence by some party, although the verdict in every case was that of "Accidental Death." The fact is, the holding of inquests on the bodies of individuals who have lost their lives in coal mines has become very much a matter of routine. A jury of shopkeepers resident in the village is summoned and sworn ; one or two witnesses are called ; they briefly state "how and by what means" the unfortunate sufferer came by his death ; all the parties, except the coroner, are in many instances connected with, and dependent upon, the colliery proprietors ; there is no cross-examination of the witnesses ; no time and no opportunity for extended investigation ; and a verdict of accidental death is returned generally as a matter of course. It is considered that mining is a dangerous employment — that accidents must happen — and, accordingly when they do happen, but little inquiry is deemed necessary. This is not as it should be. During the examination on Wednesday of Mr. Forster, the viewer of Haswell colliery (a gentleman of high standing in the coal trade, and who has the general superintendence of nearly 20 collieries), Mr. Roberts put several questions to him with the view of ascertaining his opinion as to the advisability of Government inspectors being appointed for mines as well as factories. Mr. Foster declined to give any definite opinion on the subject ; "he felt a delicacy, " he said, "in doing so ;" but he observed, that if such inspectors were appointed, he should not have the least objection.

Whatever may be the opinion of viewers on the subject, a very general opinion prevails amongst intelligent circles throughout the colliery districts of Durham, that such inspection and supervision would be of great benefit to the working population, by increasing their safety, or rather diminishing the risks of danger. It is expected that some gentleman will be commissioned by Government to inquire into the causes of the recent explosion, and it would be well if a general inquiry, embracing the entire range of the subject of dangers incident to coal mines and safeguards against them, were entered upon.

11th October 1844

The Colliery Explosion at Haswell Adjourned Inquest Haswell Colliery, Wednesday night.

The adjourned inquest on the bodies of the sufferers in the late colliery explosion at Haswell, in the county of Durham, was resumed this morning before Mr. Maynard.

On the opening of the court, the Coroner said he was happy to inform the jury that Professor Faraday and Professor Lyell had been sent down by the Government to assist in the inquiry. Both gentlemen were present.

William Chilton was then called and examined. — Am a pitman living at Haswell, and have charge of the Davylamps. Do not know how many lamps were in the little pit on the day of the explosion. Four lamps, now produced, were brought to me after the explosion, but not on the same day. Know the lamps by the numbers.

Each man had a particular number. No. 94 belonged to Hans Ward, No. 91 belonged to Thomas Turnbull, No. 95 belonged to a boy named Matthew Clough, about 12 years of age, and No. 51 belonged to John Curry.

Don't know where any of these lamps were found. They are in the same state now as they were when they were brought back to me. These were brought to me where I clean them, at the lamp-room in the pit. When the lamps were taken from me they were all in a perfect state. They were taken from me on the Saturday morning. I was not down the pit at the time of the explosion.

By Mr. Roberts. — It is not my duty to clean the gauze. The men leave the bottom of the lamp with me, and take the gauze to their own houses. Each man takes his own gauze, and cleans it himself. There is a person appointed to look at the gauze to see it is properly cleaned and all right before the lamps are given out. That is the duty of the deputy "overman." My attention is exclusively confined to the bottom, that part which contains the oil. When the man comes to me, he brings his own gauze, and I give him the lamp ; he then puts the gauze on himself, and goes to the deputy, who locks the lamp.

James Scott, deputy-viewer, sworn on a previous day, was called, and stated that Hans Ward's duty was at the low side of the Brockly-whins-flat. His lamp was found in the ninth board. Thomas Turnbull was a "putter," between the Meadows-flat and the broken workings. Cannot tell where he was found. Matthew Cleugh was a plate-cleaner, between the Meadows-workings and the Meadows-flat, over the same ground as the other was a "putter." John Curry was a hewer in the ninth "headways" course. Curry was found in the ninth "headways," at the place where he worked. Found a lamp with the plug out ; but am not certain of the number of it. Found it at the "jud." Cannot speak as to any other of the lamps.

By Mr. Roberts. — Eleven is the lowest age at which boys are allowed to carry lamps. Cleugh was above 12 years of age. He is set down in the list at 10. It is part of my duty to caution the men as to the carrying of their lamps. There is a general order given to take all care possible of their lamps, but there is no particular rule laid down, except that they are ordered to do nothing to the lamps after receiving them. Never saw the flame pass through the gauze of a Davy-lamp.

By Mr. Faraday. — It was my duty to see the pit was clear from gas, test the presence of gas by the lamp, and judge from the appearance produced upon the flame. Never saw the atmosphere of the mine so impregnated with gas as to produce a permanent effect on the lamp. Never saw any indication of gas in the mine, either in the workings or at the upcast. Davy-lamps were used as a pure matter of precaution, and not from there having been any previous indication of gas. Have seen lamps in places where they might be affected by "firedamp." Think a concussion would cause the flame of a Davy-lamp to pass the gauze, even in the ordinary atmosphere. Would think it might be easier done when the air was mixed with fire-damp.

By Mr. Roberts. — Am next in rank to Mr. Forster, and when he is absent I have the entire superintendence of the mine. Mr. Forster is never absent for a long time together. He is generally home every night. He had been away a fortnight previous to the accident. Between 200 and 300 is the largest number of men and boys I have in charge in the mine at one time. About 180 of that number are men, the remainder boys. Mr. Forster goes down the pit once-a-week, and sometimes twice. He is never more than a week without going down.

John Thompson examined. — Am employed on the "rolly-way," in the Haswell pit. Clean the way and keep the plates in order. My duty extends from the shaft to the first "siding," about 400 yards. Was down at the bottom of the shaft at the time of the explosion. It was about a quarter-past 3 o'clock. There was a boy came to the shaft, and said to me he believed something had happened. It was either Richardson or Joicey. He said there had been such a wind come as nearly to blow him from his work. Went into the "rolly-way" as fast as possible, and when I passed the first "siding" I heard a boy coming out, and saw he had no light. That boy's name was John Coates. Went further along the "rolly-way," and found some falls had taken place from the roof. Had nothing but my candle, and I sent some of them away for a lamp. Tried my candle at the two way ends at the beginning of the stone drift, to see if the air was going the right way. Found it was going right there. Went further in and found another fall ; and just as the parties I had sent were bringing the lamp to me, Mr. Scott and Mr. Thompson and Mr. Miller came up. We went together 20 or 30 yards further, to Dickenson's-way end, where we found a large fall from the roof, and about 20 yards further we found a horse and 15 tubs jambed in the way by the force of the explosion. There was no fall there. Made a road past, and proceeded to the old way-end, where we found a large fall from the roof. Removed the stone and Scott and Miller got over it. I came back to the outer end of the stone drift, and then went up the old way to Dickenson's-way end.

About 200 yards from the stone drift end found a crossing blown out. Thompson came in the contrary direction, and met me there. The effect of that crossing being blown out was, that the fresh air was returned to the furnace instead of being sent through the workings. Found no difference in the air when the boy alarmed me, till I got to where the stoppings were blown out. The current of air was slack there, for want of the stoppings.

By Mr. Roberts. — Am 50 years of age and have been 43 years a pitman. Have been frequently employed in drawing a "jud." It is not considered more dangerous than a common whole "board" to those who are accustomed to it. It is usual to employ experienced men in drawing a "jud." They do it by the aid of light from a lamp. Do not know any colliery where they draw the "juds" only when all the other men are out of the pit.

Cannot say whether that is or is not desirable. The stoppings are made of bricks and lime. Believe the board end stoppings are made of wood. Cannot say what thickness. We do not generally expect gas to come off when a "jud" is drawn. Davy-lamps are used as a precaution. Don't take candles, because when we go in we cannot tell what may come. Two or three hours elapsed after the explosion before the first body was brought out. Could not get at the bodies for choke-damp. Got rid of the choke-damp by putting in the stoppings and directing the air in. It is very usual for stone to fall when a "jud" is withdrawn.

By the Coroner. — Have frequently removed "juds" at Haswell, and never observed gas coming off. Had there been any should have been sure to observe it. Never knew fires take place in mines without gas being present.

By Mr. Roberts. — When boys work where candles are used they use candles, and they use the lamps where men use lamps. Never saw boys use lamps where men use candles.

Thomas Chambers. — Am a pitman, and live at Haswell Colliery. Have been requested, since the explosion, to make an examination of the mine on behalf of the miners. Have examined the whole of the little pit. Did so at the request of the workmen in the whole colliery. We proceeded from the furnace and examined the waste all through. Found most excellent ventilation, there being two courses for the return air all the way we went.

There were 11 other workmen along with me. We then proceeded into the workings to ascertain, if possible, where the explosion had taken place. We could not be certain as to the place, but it is my opinion the explosion did not take place at Williamson's "jud." Think the gas had caught a candle in another part of the mine — in one of three "boards" running into the Meadows-way, between the Meadows and Brockly-whinsflats. Form my opinion from the fact of two of these "boards" having been stopped at the high end, so as not to allow the air to circulate round to prevent the accumulation of gas. There are slight indications of fire there ; in my opinion as strong as they are at Williamson's "jud." Some of the props there are charred a little on both sides. Cannot say whether those that were with me concur in that opinion. That place might be about 150 yards from Williamson's "jud." There was a stopping between in the "headways" end. That stopping was blown down.

By the Corner. — It is my opinion the explosion was the result of accident, and not of negligence. There was nothing omitted that could, in my opinion, have been done to prevent it. Have worked about two months in the little pit. That was eight months ago. The ventilation was excellent then. Was employed as deputy, and frequently had complaints of the current of air being too strong, the men requesting me to keep the "brattice" back. Think the pit was in the same state on Friday when I examined it as it was in previous to the explosion.

Always considered the stoppings sufficient. They are placed there for no other purpose than to keep the air on the right course. There would be no advantage in having them stronger.

By Mr. Faraday. — Judge the explosion took place where I have described, from the charring. There had been a slight fire at Williamson's "jud." Could not trace where the explosion went out. Have seen symptoms of gas in the workings in the little pit. The gas appeared to be between the "brassy" part of the bottom coal and the coal itself. Worked in it as usual. The ventilation was as good then as now. Think the gas occurs in the Haswell pit as much as generally in others. There are some worse. Think the late explosion had not been from a large quantity of gas. The falls described in the ways were caused by the explosion; but, notwithstanding, I think it arose from a small quantity of gas. After the stoppings and crossings had been blown out there was no way for the fresh air to get in to the men, so as to overpower the choke-damp, and that in my opinion accounts for the great number killed by the choke-damp. There was no other way for the men to get out but by passing through the choke-damp.

By Mr. Roberts. — If the current of air had been strong enough where I supposed the gas had accumulated, that would have carried it off. If candles were used there they would not be nearer than 150 yards from the "broken." There was a door between that place and the "broken." It was a fly-door, which is not attended by any one. It is frequently pushed open in the ordinary course of working the pit. It is never propped open. The explosion could not have been caused from a fall of stone having forced the gas from the "broken" to where the candles were being used; because, I don't think any gas could be in the "jud" before it was drawn without being seen, and the "jud" would have to be drawn before the gas would be forced out. Had there been gas in Williamson's "jud," it could not have been forced out to where the candles were. Have been four years a deputy at Haswell, and never saw gas escape on drawing a "jud." The "waste" is a dangerous part of the mine if not taken care of. Have heard the men complain of strangers being employed in the "waste."

By the Coroner. — Am satisfied the present explosion did not take place in the "waste."

By Mr. Roberts. — It is an opinion generally entertained by the men that inexperienced persons ought not to be employed where the lamps are used. Those who use them ought to understand the care which should be taken of them. Recollect that about eight months since a deputation was sent to Mr. Forster from the men working in the colliery respecting two strangers working with Davy-lamps in the Brockly-whins "broken." The

deputation did not see Mr. Forster. When they went to the office Mr. Forster was not there, and they did not go back any more. I was one of the deputation. Am aware of the men having lately murmured respecting the employment of three strangers in the "waste." That was before the explosion. The current of air is equally strong in all parts of the pit. If the air were travelling at the rate of eight miles an hour in one part, it might not travel half so fast in other parts. It will travel slowest in the "broken." It will be weak in the "goaf." We generally look for gas in the "goaf." I think the current of air passing round and through the "goaf" is sufficient to carry away all the gas the "goaf" will make. There is also a sufficient current in the "broken." The "board" end stoppings were replaced when I examined the mine on Friday. They are made of wood. There is a natural tendency in the roof to fall and the floor to rise. The wood stoppings are liable to warp when that occurs. Think the wood stoppings safer than the stone ones in that part, because should the "creep" come near the stopping to injure it, it would do more harm to the brick stopping than the wood one. The force of the "creep" on a brick stopping would crush it so as to force it out. As deputy had nothing to do with the cleaning of the gauze, except on the lamp I used myself.

Nicholas Wood. — Live at Killingworth, and have been extensively engaged as a colliery viewer. Examined the general state of the ventilation of the Haswell pit, in company with Mr. G. Hunter, yesterday. Examined both pits, and commenced by ascertaining the quantity of air going down the down-cast shaft. There are two shafts, one down-cast, and the other up-cast, both used for the purpose of ventilation. Two shafts I consider a great advantage. The ventilation is produced by two furnaces ; in some cases there is only one. Found the quantity of air going down 37,028 cubic feet per minute. At a point between the shaft and the workings there is a split, and there 11,621 cubic feet are taken to the north inclined workings, leaving 25,407 for the workings of the little pit, which consists of what is called three ways, viz., the Meadows-way, the High Brockly-whins-way, and the Low Brockly-whins-way. At each of these three ways, the whole coal and the broken are being worked, a system of working in which the pillars are taken away immediately succeeding the working of the whole mine.

25,407 cubic inches of air are about equally divided between those three ways, perhaps rather more to the Meadows-way than to each of the other two ; that makes 8,469 cubic feet for each of those ways. The air is subdivided in each of those ways, about one half being taken into the "pillar-working," and the other into the "whole." That is done by what are called "regulators." In the Meadows-way, the air into the "pillar-workings" is taken through what is called a "scale," or opening about a foot square, in two doors near the Meadows-flat ; and the remaining portion of air going to the Meadows-way is taken through a swinging door between the sixth and seventh pillars of the Meadows-flat. When that air gets in it spreads itself in the workings between the "pillar-working" and the "goaf." The separation between the "pillar-working" and the "whole" is done by stoppings, brick stoppings in the Mothergate, and wood stoppings in the boards between the face of the coal in the "whole" and the pillars. That is precisely the same system pursued in the other ways. Consider that there is quite a sufficiency of air for the purpose of ventilation, considering the state of the mine. Measured the air going into the big pit, and found it 37,200 cubic feet per minute, so that the whole quantity of air coming down the shaft was 74,228 cubic feet per minute. That is the largest quantity of any pit within my experience. Have not examined the whole of the workings in the little pit, but have examined enough to enable me to form an opinion as to where the explosion took place. Am of opinion it took place near the "goaf," between the "goaf" and the Meadows-way. Am led to that opinion by observing the way which the gas has evidently taken, and in which stoppings have been blown. Think it occurred at Williamson's "jud," as the greatest effect of the fire is along the face of the "whole" coal east of the "goaf." Then, I think the explosion had extended to the Brockly-whins "goaf," where it got a trifling accession of gas, and that had caused a trifling explosion in the opposite direction. That is shown by the charring being on both sides of the pillar. We came to the conclusion that the first explosions took place in the "jud" because all the stoppings were blown out in the direction of the Brockly-whins "goaf." There were 20 or 30 stoppings blown down in that direction, and others in a contrary direction. I think the explosion obtained an accession of gas at the Brockly-whins-flat, and that caused a reaction in the opposite direction, Which accounts for the way in which the latter stoppings were blown down. Thomas Chambers, the last witness examined, went with us in our examination, and pointed out the place he supposed the explosion to have originated in, and assigned his reasons for that opinion; but, after

careful consideration, I differ from him in that opinion. I think the explosion did not take place there, because I think it very unlikely there could have been an accumulation of gas there on the day on which the accident occurred. The bottom coal had been taken out on the previous Thursday, and there was no continued discharge of gas in the board, which we examined very carefully with a candle. Beside, if the explosion had occurred there, the quantity of gas that could accumulate there would not be sufficient to produce the effects we witnessed, it could only have done so by communicating with other gas at the "goafs," and if it had been strong enough to do that it would have blown the stoppings in the contrary direction. Am of opinion the explosion arose from accident. It could not, I think, by any possibility have happened from any of the candles used in the pit, because I think the current of air going where the candles are used is too powerful to allow any discharge of gas that was in the "goaf" to back out to the candles. At the time of the accident, there was no whole coal working going on, so that the only candles used were at the Meadows-flat, which the gas could not reach. Think the pit a well ventilated one. Think everything has been done that is usually done in the coal trade. Think the accident must have happened from some fall in the upper part of the "goaf." A portion of air goes through the "goaf," but the roof is high in some places, and the gas might accumulate there out of reach of the air. The roof falls in a sort of cone, and the fact of the air going through the "goaf" is no proof that there is not an accumulation of gas in the upper region. An accumulation of gas may remain there for some time, and give no indication of its presence in the air coming over. The rumbling noise heard on the morning before the explosion might have been caused by a movement in the strata above ; the withdrawing of the "jud" would assist the settling down of the stone, and the fall might cause a "bag of gas" to rush out. Gas pent up, in a highly condensed state, in the roof of the "goaf," is called a "bag of gas." The withdrawing of the "jud" would not alone be sufficient to account for the explosion. Think the quantity of gas exploded had not been large.

The fire had not extended into the low Brockly-whins-flat, and only about half over the Meadows and High Brockly-whins workings. My opinion is the explosion took place at the "jud," not in it, but somewhere near it.

The indications of fire were strongest near the "goaf." None of the men, I believe, were found in the "jud," but a few yards from it. The falling of the stone in the "jud" might bring down a portion of gas, a column, to the edge of the "goaf," and it might be thrown upon the lamps and so ignite.

By Mr. Lyell. — The workings are in the Hutton-seam, which is about four feet seven inches in thickness, and the bottom giving out the gas 17 inches. The roof consists of shale principally. The depth is 156 fathoms. I think a roof of the "goaf" is more liable to fall from the expansion of the air between the strata of the coal when the super-incumbent strata is large. The dip of the coal strata is very trifling. The system of removing the pillars enables us to take out the whole of the coal. It is the practice now to work the "broken" and the whole simultaneously ; and I think with proper care that it is as safe a plan as any other. That plan is not generally adopted in the coal trade. I do not think it makes the "goaf" more dangerous. The ventilation of the "waste" is more perfect on this plan than under the old one. The waste is less under the present system, and the current of air is stronger in proportion. The boards are 4 feet 6 inches in height in the workings, and the horse roads about 7 feet. The pillars are 16 yards wide by 22 in length. The roof of this pit is contrary to a dangerous one ; it is quite free from "troubles."

By Mr. Roberts. — Was examined by the Committee of the House of Commons on Accidents in Mines.

Recollect that "withdrawing a jud" was referred to in the course of that examination. The distinction should be drawn between pillar-working, where there is a great discharge of gas, and where the "goaf" is entirely filled with inflammable air, and here where the "goaf" must be nearly, if not entirely free from it, except perhaps in the upper portions. Recollects Mr. Buddle mentioning that "bags of gas" were very common in the mines of Northumberland and Durham ; and have frequently known them myself. "Bags of gas" are places where the gas is highly condensed, some suppose in a fluid state, in a cavity of the roof ; and when a fall takes place it rushes out, and expands itself. It is a fact that, in every mine there are portions where the current of air is so strong as to blow a candle out, and in other places the air is perfectly still, or nearly so. It depends upon the quantity of the roof that falls whether it has the effect of forcing the air away in all directions. The air would be agitated in the immediate neighbourhood of a fall of roof equal in size to the half of this room, which is double

the size of an ordinary room. Think there has been no alteration made in the pit since the explosion. The furnaces have not been altered, I am certain. Some mines are more subject to escapes of gas from the roof than others. If the roof be of sandstone, the gas which escapes from the coal gets into the pores of the stone, and comes off again at intervals. The shale roof is more impervious ; the gas is therefore more kept in the coal than with the sandstone roof. Am aware of a plan proposed by Mr. Goldsworthy Gurney for lighting mines by means of reflected mirrors, instead of lamps or candles. Think the plan is not practicable. It was considered by practical men so utterly impossible that it was never attempted. In practice, I think, with proper care, the Davy-lamp is safe. I do not think a current of air moving at the rate of 300 feet per minute would drive the flame of the Davy through the meshes. Have tried the lamp by moving it with great rapidity through a body of inflammable air taken from the mine for the purpose, without producing an explosion. Enlarged the apertures till it did go through. Sir Humphrey Davy gave directions as to the carrying a lamp through a current of air, but I have been unable to drive the flame through the gauze by any artificial current I could produce by ordinary means. It is a different thing gas being thrown upon a lamp, and the lamp being moved through still air.

Practically, when the current is strong and that current inflammable, shields are used. My impression is, the lamp found in Williamson's "jud" must have been injured before the explosion took place, and that it would not have taken place with a perfect lamp. Have used the lamp called the "Geordy-lamp," and consider it in some respects preferable to the Davy and in others not. The glass tube protects the flame from any rush of air, and in that case that is one of its advantages. Employ both lamps, but consider there is so little difference that I generally leave the under-viewers use to which they think proper. In some places the men consider the Davylamp surer, and in Killingworth they consider the "Geordy" safer. If I were venturing my own life I should consider myself just as safe with one as the other. In walking rapidly through an explosive mixture I would take either the Geordy-lamp or the Davy with a shield. The Geordy-lamp is the larger of the two, and if the glass be broken the quantity of heated air it will contain will then be more than the Davy, and would be more liable to an explosion. The men have orders immediately the glass is broken to come out of the pit with the lamp ; never had the glass of the "Geordy" broken in my experience ; but if subjected to the same violence as injured the Davy lamps produced, the glass must have been broken. Believe the shield used with the Davy-lamp quite sufficient for all practical purposes. Examine the lamps produced, and believe them to be made of the best materials and make. The manufacturer of inferior lamps was complained of in the Parliamentary report on coal-mine accidents, but that complaint has been obviated by employing only manufacturers of known character. Mr. Buddle introduced two or three of his improved "stoppings" at Wallsend, but after the first serious accident in that colliery they were not generally adopted, though an accident subsequently occurred.

That showed he was not satisfied of their utility. Referring to 2,296 question in the committee's report, I am of opinion that Mr. Buddle did not apply his observations to "stoppings," but to "dam-doors." A "dam-door," such as Mr. Buddle described before the committee, could not be applied in a wide "board." If practical men thought such doors safe or necessary, there would be no hesitation as to adopting them. Do not think the "swing door" described by Mr. Buddle would have been of any use in this case, nor can I recollect any case, within my knowledge, where they would have been of use — I mean, to have preserved the men from the effect of after-damp. There is not much difference between the "dam-door" and the "swing door," excepting that one is supported by stanchions and the other from the roof. Cannot say at what rate the air was travelling in the "broken" near the "jud," but it was what in pit language we call "very good air." Many suggestions were made to the Parliamentary committee for the improvement of the safety of the men, and all of them have received the consideration of practical men. The system of ventilation has been gradually improving within the last 10 years, and at that period the ventilation of this mine would be considered very extraordinary. Consider "fly-doors" an improvement on the former system of having them attended by boys. "Fly-doors" are never used in the main air-courses. Gave an opinion before the Parliamentary committee that boys were preferable to men for watching those doors, and am of that opinion still.

Mr. Roberts was proceeding to read portions of Mr. Wood's evidence before the committee, when the coroner interposed.

At the termination of Mr. Wood's examination The Jury, after deliberating a while, agreed to adjourn till 9 o'clock on Friday morning.

Professor Faraday and Professor Lyell have arranged to go down the Haswell-pit to-morrow to inspect the workings.

14th October 1844

The Late Explosion at Haswell Colliery Haswell Colliery, Friday Night.

Professor Faraday and Professor Lyell, accompanied by Mr. Scutchbury, a colliery viewer from Bristol, went down the Haswell Little Pit yesterday, and examined the workings, Mr. Forster, the viewer, being present to afford explanation when required. They were engaged in the examination several hours, and were very minute in their inquiries as to the general state and management of the colliery. The three gentlemen took their seats by the side of the coroner on the opening of the court this morning.

The whole of the jurymen having answered to their names, Mr. George Hunter, colliery viewer to the Marquis of Londonderry, was called and examined. — Reside at Belmont and have been a viewer about 25 years. Have not been engaged in many collieries, but on extensive ones, Lord Londonderry's principally. On Monday last, in company with Mr. Nicholas Wood, examined the Haswell Little Pit. Was present when Mr. Wood gave his evidence on Wednesday last, and quite concur with him in opinion, having myself assisted him in making the calculations. In respect of the cause of the accident I slightly differ from him. It is my opinion that in working the pillars you may always expect gas to remain in the "goaf," if it be in the mine at all. Agree with him in thinking the explosion took place near Williamson's "jud." Cannot see any other cause for the explosion than the damage done to the lamps. (Damaged lamps produced.) Any of them would have caused the explosion. Think the gas had come from the "goaf," but drawing the "jud" might not have caused it to come off. Has seen it come off from the "goaf" to show upon the lamp. When the barometer has stood high for some length of time, a sudden fall will set the gas off from the "goaf." Have frequently seen this. Do not think the explosion took place from any want of ventilation in the pit. Consider the ventilation extraordinarily good ; and I think the plan of laying down the colliery, making the furnaces, air-courses, and other things, is better than I have ever seen, and must have been made at great expense. Nothing could have been done that had not been to prevent the explosion. Think there has been fire at the Brockly-whins "goaf," but that there was only one general explosion which would have fired the gas at that "goaf," if there had been any there. Saw indications of fire there. The principal indications are at the Meadows flat near Williamson's "jud." Examined the three boards which Thomas Chambers, who accompanied us, pointed out as the three in which he thought the explosion had commenced. Examined two of the boards in particular; and my opinion is the explosion did not commence there. There are indications of fire there, but I think they have been caused by the explosion passing through them into the Brockly-whins "goaf." The nearest point where candles are used is at such a distance, and so situated, that in my opinion the gas from the "goaf" could not have reached them. The candles are in the Mothergate board. Do not consider it dangerous to work with candles at that board. Think there could have been no accumulation of gas there to have produced this explosion, if there had been even such a quantity there as to have produced similar effects. Observed a fly-door, but that in my opinion had nothing to do with the explosion. It was not dangerous to have a fly-door there.

Mr. Roberts entered at this period, under a misunderstanding that the inquest had been adjourned till 10 o'clock, instead of 9, and not having heard the evidence, asked no questions in examination.

Mr. Cleugh, who had been present from the first, then cross-examined. — Think fly-doors are efficient as trap-doors. When pushed open by a current of air they close of themselves. Am not aware fly-doors are considered by the pitmen inferior to trap-doors in directing a current of air. Had read the bond sent in by the

pitmen at the last strike, and think there was a clause requiring the abolition of fly-doors. But am not positive as to that.

Mr. Roberts requested that that answer should be taken down by the Coroner, who refused, as having no reference to this inquiry.

Examination resumed. — Have not seen fly-doors knocked down, and have had no complaints of them. The common trap-doors were used before fly-doors were introduced. Consider fly-doors and trap-doors, attended by a boy, equally safe. A person might go through a fly-door in a dangerous place and no one see him. If a boy were there and it was a trap-door the boy might not be able to prevent the person going through, or might not see him. The fly-door in its position in Haswell pit I consider quite as safe as a trapdoor attended by a boy would have been in the same place. Do not think a man to watch the trap-door would be preferable to a boy 10 or 12 years of age ; on the contrary, the latter would be most obedient, and few men could be got to attend to so insignificant a job without extra pay. In main waggon ways where the pressure of the air is great a man would be preferable. Never knew an instance of a boy being asleep without his door being closed in its proper position, and then have had to waken him up to open it. The lighter the atmosphere the more readily gas escapes from the "goaf." Do not consider it unsafe to use a candle at the Meadows-flat, the current of air is so great. Cannot form any correct estimate of the gas which escapes from the "goaf," sometimes there is none visible for weeks together, and at other times it will show itself on the lamp. An accident to one lamp might cause the explosion, and the others might be injured in consequence. May not expect gas from the drawing of a broken "jud ;" if there be gas in the "goaf," it is liable to be thrown off by a fall of the roof, which may occur in drawing a "jud." In working the "broken" all the coal possible is taken away, in order to produce a good fall, so as to leave little cavity as possible when the roof falls. The Hutton seam on the river Wear is not generally prolific in gas. Some colliers in the Hutton seam on the south side of the Wear make very little gas — on the north side they make more. Thinks the Haswell mine does not produce much, judging from the current of air at the furnace ; but the current is so strong it is difficult to determine. Thinks it better to work the "whole" and the "broken" together, than to work the "whole" first, and the broken afterwards ; it is quite as safe to work them together as separate ; and by working them together a better current of air is secured for ventilation. Have known an explosion in the "broken," after the "whole" coal had been worked out. That was in the Plane-pit at Rainton, in 1828.

Candles were not allowed to be carried into the "broken," but they had been ; it was supposed some one had gone with a candle beyond the distance allowed. Cannot say whether three pillars distance is near enough for near enough for the "broken" to be from the whole ; but it depends upon the ventilation. Thinks that "deal stoppings" are sufficiently strong to separate the two columns of air between the "whole" and the "broken." When a heaving occurs deal stoppings are much sooner repaired than brick ones. One is quite as safe as the other. It is better to throw a fresh current of air upon the "goaf" than one that has circulated through the workings," but it is not in all cases possible to do that. The air in the return from the "goaf" would not be more liable to explode there, with a current of fresh air passing through the "goaf" than a lax one. Where shafts could be sunk so as to throw the fresh air on the "goaf," I would recommend that it should be done ; but it is not always practicable. Would not recommend one to be sunk in Haswell Colliery.

The impracticability arises from the expense. Two small pits are better for the purposes of ventilation than a large one "bratticed." There are two in Haswell Colliery. Know collieries where there are several pits for the purpose of ventilation, and, notwithstanding, the ventilation is not as good as this.

By Mr. Faraday. — In every case the ventilation depends on the quantity of air sent down, and the quantity of gas generated. The size of the "workings," or headways, must also be taken into consideration. The inclination of the seam should also be considered.

By the Coroner. — Thinks all these considerations have been attended to in Haswell Colliery.

By Mr. Lyell. — The inclination in Haswell pit is one in 24 feet.

By the Coroner. — Think it easier to ventilate a pit when the seam is horizontal that when it is inclined.

By Mr. Cleugh. — If the ventilation were sufficient would not recommend the sinking of additional shafts.

Have every reason to think the Davy-lamp a safe one. Never used any other. Was with Sir H. Davy in 1816,

when he first tried his experiments in Wallsend colliery ; and from that time until his death I was connected in collieries with him. Think a person might light his pipe through a Davy-lamp gauze, but never saw it done.

If it were done it would be by drawing the flame through the gauze, and if inflammable air surrounded it an explosion would be caused. Cannot say whether it be possible for him to light his pipe through the gauze without drawing the flame through ; think it would. The gas would not be ignited without drawing the flame through. Do not think the oiling of the Davy-lamp gauze would cause an explosion ; if so, explosion would frequently occur. Never saw a current of explosive air in a mine that would drive the flame through the gauze. A current passing three or four feet per second certainly would not, in my opinion. Not aware that Mr. Buddle made the experiment.

By Mr. Faraday. — Have seen the gauze of the Davy-lamp red-hot frequently in dangerous parts of the mine.

Would trust my life on the Davy in such cases, and in every case, where necessary.

By Mr. Cleugh. — The glass inside a Geordy-lamp would prevent a person lighting a pipe through the gauze.

But the size of the cylinder in the Geordy-lamp renders it less safe when the glass tube is broken, than the Davy. It is impossible for the gauze to become oiled where the glass tube is used. It is equally impossible for a strong current of air to cause the flame of the lamp to pass the meshes of the gauze. Do not remember the instructions given by Sir Humphrey Davy to Mr. Buddle when he delivered that gentleman the lamp.

Mr. Faraday. — Sir Humphrey was not infallible. He was not a practical miner, and therefore such instructions could only be a matter of opinion. A large portion of the coal now worked could not have been worked had safety lamps not been invented. The lamp I think has not put the candles further back than they used to be from points of danger. By their use we are now enabled to get into the waste, and to render the ventilation more perfect. The safety of the men in the pit depends on the viewer and those under him. The subordinate officers in the mine are all experienced pitmen.

By Mr. Faraday. — The viewer is the person who decides upon the regulations of the mine in respect to ventilation.

By Mr. Cleugh. — Some viewers have many different mines to attend to, and when they are absent the under-viewer attends, and the latter is there daily. It is the duty of the overmen and deputies to inspect the mine to see that the passages are safe before the men go into work.

By Mr. Faraday. — Every coal hewer knows the indications of gas, and when they observe them they are required to give information immediately to their deputy or overman.

By Mr. Marshall. — We do not allow smoking in the pit, and certainly do not allow the men to light their pipes at the gauze. Have felt smoke in going through the mine, but could not detect the person smoking.

By the Coroner. — When a man has been ascertained to have been smoking he is reprimanded, and on repeating the offence discharged.

By Mr. Roberts. — The introduction of Davy-lamps has not prevented or impeded the improvement of the ventilation. The daily exudation of gas in working the mine is what we have most to apprehend danger from in the pillars. Think a current of air moving at the rate of 10 feet a-second is not liable to cause the flame of the Davy-lamp to pass through the meshes. Indeed, no current we have underground would do so. The air travels 1,200 yards from the shaft before reaching the "goaf," but it takes up no gas in passing over that distance. Have not a doubt of the fact in this case. I could swear to it. If all the "whole" coal were worked first, candles would not be taken into the "broken," but they would be used at the flats, as they are upon the present system. Remember an explosion in Thornley Colliery in 1841 ; was called upon to examine the mine after it occurred, and was of opinion it had been caused by the neglect of the boy at the trap-door. Did not try the air at Williamson's "jud."

By Mr. Marshall. — It would have been hazardous to do so. As a precaution it would have been improper to explode gunpowder there.

By Mr. Roberts. — Have seen "juds" with very few props in them. In some cases they are set very thick, perhaps 100 in a "jud," and in other case very few. They are frequently put as a warning. Would take all the props out in drawing the "jud," if I could get them ; because the props are useful again, and it is no use leaving them there. The prop is knocked out in removing it, and the men in doing that are obliged to look carefully for falls of the roof, so that they may get out of the way, and prevent it. Do not think the props could be drawn by machinery. Am not aware in my experience of many explosions having arisen from drawing a "jud." (Mr. Roberts here put several questions about the use of dam-doors and swing-doors, which were objected to, as irrelevant, by the coroner.)

The witness continued — Do not consider it necessary that the under-viewers and other subordinate officers should undergo a system of preparatory education ; experience is the best teaching, and none but experienced pitmen are employed as under-viewers and overmen. The viewers are educated men. Do not know that the gas found in the mines of this district will explode with a hot iron.

By the Coroner. — Do not think it necessary for all the men to be out of the pit when a "jud " is drawn. It cannot be done at all times. There is no particular danger to the men working in that part of the mine if the lamps are kept safe.

By Mr. Marshall. — It is sometimes necessary to draw the "jud" instantly. It is much better for the ventilation of the mine to remove the whole of the props. That allows the roof to get down, and there is less room for the accumulation of gas.

John Scott, the under-viewer, on being recalled, stated that the mine was now in the same state that it was in when it was examined by Mr. Wood and Mr. Hunter. Nothing had been done since the explosion but replacing the stoppings that had been blown down.

Samuel Scutchbury. — Am surveying agent to the Somersetshire district of mines belonging to the Prince of Wales as Duke of Cornwall, and have charge of Lord Waldergrave's mines and others in the same county.

Have been sent to examine the Haswell pit on the part of Government. Examined it yesterday. At the time I examined it knew nothing of the circumstances attending the recent explosion. Professor Faraday, Mr. Lyell, Mr. Forster the viewer, Mr. Taylor, and some men in subordinate offices accompanied me. It was not Mr. Hugh Taylor, one of the owners, but Mr. Thomas John Taylor. My opinion of the cause of the explosion is entirely dependent on my own examination. Had formed my opinion before I had obtained any knowledge of the circumstances of the explosion. Have since read the evidence given on the first day in The Times ; and I have had part of the day's evidence read over to me, and have heard that which has been given to-day. The reading of that evidence and what I have heard to-day confirms my previous opinion in almost every essential point. The technical terms used in the south are different from those used here. Was taken along the "rolly-way" and Mothergate from the shaft, and through the Meadows flat. Examined all the appearances, to see from what part the explosion came. Traced them till we came to Williamson's "jud," the evidence of an explosion being increased as we proceeded to that point. Came to the conclusion from examination afterwards of the various boards and the face of the "whole" coal and the props as we returned to the High Brockly-whins "flat," that the explosion had radiated, as it were, from a focal point which would carry it back to Williamson's "jud." Also examined the "waste," or "goaf," as it is here called, of the High Brockly-whins flat. There found some partially burnt coal dust, but not coked or charred, if I may use the term, as it was at Williamson's "jud," proving to me that the force of the explosion had reached thus far, carrying with it fire, or the dust which had been fired from the neighbouring parts, by which I mean Williamson's "jud," and as my attention was called to it, I particularly examined with a view to ascertain if there was a second explosion at that point, that is, at the "goaf" in the High Brockly-whins flat, and my opinion is that there was not a second explosion. It is my opinion the explosion was the result of accident, of such an accident as could not have been foreseen. Found that nothing had been left undone that could have been done for the safety of the workmen. I draw these conclusions from finding that in passing along the ways till I arrived at that point, the whole of the work appeared to have been carried on so perfectly as to show me that there had been no common or ordinary expense spared. Along the main ways the ventilation was very powerful, stronger than I had ever seen before; and after passing various "splits," that there was a still sufficiently good air course ; in my opinion, quite sufficient for the safety of the mine under ordinary circumstances. It is my opinion there has been an accumulation of gas in the "goaf," which would be one of

the best receptacles or reservoirs of such a gas as you could possibly have in the mine. The falling of the roof naturally gives a hollow dome, or receptacle for the gas, and the cause of the explosion I consider to have been an escape of gas from the under-level of the roof or ceiling passing from the edge of the "goaf." If injured lamps were found there, and the injury had been caused before the explosion took place, that would have been likely to produce the explosion. If there were neglect at al it would have been with the person who had charge of the lamp, unless the injury it sustained had been caused by an accident over which he had no control. Have no evidence of anything having been left undone which, if done, would have prevented this explosion. Consequently, I do not attribute blame either to Mr. Forster, the viewer or any one connected with the pit ; most certainly not. That is to say, excepting the unfortunate man whose lamp might have caused the explosion.

Mr. Lyell. — Both fly-doors and trap-doors are used in the Bristol district, but trap-doors, I may say, have almost entirely gone out of use. I do not suppose, in the 17 collieries I visit, that more than half a dozen trapdoors are attended by boys. Fly-doors are considered safer upon the whole, for this reason among others, — when a person with a train passes through one of these doors they know that if they do not hear the door slam the current of air upon their return would be prejudicial to their own comfort. Have compared those of South Wales and those of Gloucestershire with those in the Somersetshire district. Have never been connected, professionally or otherwise, with the mines of the north of England. Had attended to the coal strata geologically before I did professionally. Consider a shale roof safer than a sandstone one. The ceiling of the Haswell pit differed in places. Along the main way the ceiling was the best I ever saw in a mine, in many parts being sufficient to support itself. Never before saw so large an extent with so few "dykes" or troubles" indeed ; they could not show me one. If I had seen the mine previous to the explosion, would have said there was no danger.

By Mr. Faraday. — Went all through the Meadows-way and High Brockly Whins-way, and the ventilation in that part seemed to be good. The mine can be taken care of without difficulty, in consequence of the extreme flatness of the measures. I do not observe that any expense has been spared, or that there has been any defect in laying out the works from the first; on the contrary, it is very far superior to what is generally observed in regard to appearance and stability. There does not appear to have been any remissness in working it.

By Mr. Roberts. — At the present moment cannot say that anything could be done for the future safety of the men that has not been done. Have some crude ideas, but they are not matured. Will bend my mind to the subject on going from here. Ventilation is the principal point, but cannot say in what respects improvements might be made. Not much troubled in our neighbourhood with explosive gas, more troubled with choke-damp. The shallowest of the mines with which I am connected is 74 fathoms, the deepest 248 to the bottom of the "sump." Known the mines in my district 14 years, professionally four or five ; but visited them frequently before I became connected professionally with them. Do not recollect of any lives having been lost by explosion in South Wales and Somersetshire. Thinks it, therefore, more necessary to guard against the presence of carbonic acid gas than against that of carbureted hydrogen. Carbureted hydrogen is extremely rare in the mines of those districts. We might adopt a less efficient means than they do here to get rid of carbureted hydrogen. It is quite evident to me that the owners, by insisting on the use of the Davy lamps, and using candles only in certain parts of the mine, have taken every precaution to provide against an explosion. It is a proof they have directed their minds to the subject. After the accident that has happened cannot consider a similar one as not likely to happen again. Cannot suggest anything to prevent a similar accident occurring, but in my opinion every man of feeling would immediately direct his mind to the subject with a view of discovering such a remedy, if possible.

By Mr. Marshall. — Gas might accumulate in the same place again, and if an accident happened to the lamp under such circumstances, as in this instance I mean, that would cause a similar explosion. It is the combination of circumstances. If you prove to me that the flame would pass through the meshes of the gauze, then I should say a strong current of gas coming against the lamp might cause an explosion ; but unless you prove that the flame will pass through the gauze, I should say an explosion would not be so caused. Nothing less than mechanical force that would make each hole a "blowpipe" would cause the flame to pass the "meshes". No current of air would cause the flame to pass.

Mr. Roberts was proceeding to ask some questions relative to Mr. Scutchbury's knowledge of various lamps used in coal-mines, when the Coroner interfered and prevented the question being put, as foreign to the inquiry. It was a fit subject for investigation by a Parliamentary committee, but they were sitting now with reference only to the late accident.

Examination resumed. — Do not know that any person was present on behalf of the workmen, when I examined the mine ; I should say we were most of us "on behalf of the men." Mr. Forster and Mr. Taylor were our guides ; but we took whatever direction we pleased. They followed, implicitly, our desires. Think it worthy of a thought, whether a door in the form of a portcullis might be so placed above the "stoppings" as to be opened by an explosion., and descend immediately after it. Such a door might preserve the men from being killed from choke-damp, but I do not think it would preserve the men from being killed, for the current of air would be kept up so as to preserve the combustion, and thus the pit would be fired and the persons burnt. The gauze might be made red hot in half a minute, when the meshes are filled with hydrogen. Small coal or sulphur might cause this.

By the Coroner. — Do not know that sulphur occurs in coal mines in this district.

By Mr. Roberts. — The appointment of Government inspectors of mines might do good ; it could do no harm. An examination of mines by men of scientific ability might be productive of benefit if they were met in a proper spirit. Do not think it necessary for the safety of the men that the pit should be cleared of the workmen when a "jud" is drawn. The combination of circumstances that occurred in the present case can hardly be taken into account in future operations. If the men were withdrawn from the mine, all except those immediately engaged in the "jud," every time a "jud" was drawn, the expense would be so great that the mine could not be carried on profitably, at least in my country.

After this witness's evidence had been read over, the jury said they had heard sufficient to enable them to make up their minds as to their verdict.

The Coroner then ordered the court to be cleared, on which Mr. Roberts made application to the court that witnesses that he was prepared to produce on behalf of the men might be examined.

The Coroner did not think that necessary now, and again ordered the court to be cleared of all except the reporters.

That having been done, the Coroner said, the foreman of the jury requested him, after hearing the evidence of Mr. Scutchbury, a person perfectly disinterested in the matter, to state that the jury had heard sufficient to lead them to a proper conclusion on the question.

The Jury having expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with the evidence, the reporters withdrew, and the jury, after consulting together a few minutes, agreed upon their verdict. The reporters were then again admitted, having been absent only about seven minutes altogether.

The Coroner then, addressing the foreman, asked if the jury had agreed !

The Foreman. — Yes. The Coroner. — How do you find the persons named came to their death ?

The Foreman. — Purely by accident.

The Coroner. — By that you mean that you attribute blame to no one ?

The Foreman. — Certainly ; to no one.

The inquisition was drawn up in due form and signed by the jurymen, which terminated their proceedings.

The subscriptions in aid of the sufferers amounts to upwards of ÂŁ1,800.

15th October 1844

Catastrophe at Haswell Coal-Pit (From a correspondent.) — The London public may be considered as the cause of this lamentable occurrence.

Why? Because they are so eager to purchase coals, that they raise the price, and induce the pit-owners to work their pits on the double-shift system, a second set of men entering the pit before the first is out, leaving no time for a due examination. It is notorious that coals of late years are cheaper in December than in June, and dearer in October than in any month of the year. Yet in this month are there twice as many orders given as in any other month, and at its close coals always decline. The last week in November they are lower than the first, and the close of the year finds them cheaper than during the previous three months. (There are 927 ships in the coal trade, being nearly double what are required as an average number.)

The owners of the Haswell Colliery have subscribed 500 guineas in aid of the suffering families thrown destitute by the late explosion in their pit, and an additional sum of 200 guineas on account of their colliery at Shotton. The Earl of Durham and the Hetton Coal Company have made donations of 100 guineas each. The Bishop of Durham, the Dean and Chapter of Durham, and The Newcastle Union Banking Company have each subscribed 100 in aid of the fund, and other liberal sums are in course of daily announcement. — Newcastle Journal.

19th October 1844

The Haswell Sufferers The general list of subscriptions for the relief of the families of the sufferers by the recent explosion at Haswell Colliery contained on Thursday evening sums to the amount of £2,286.

Amongst the latest contributors are the Marquis Londonderry, Lord Ravensworth, and the Bishop of Durham, £100. each ; the Castle Eden Coal Company, the Duke of Cleveland, Messrs. Backhouse and Co., and others, £50. each ; Mr. Liddell, M.P., £10., and Lord Howick, M.P., £5. Collections are to be made on Sunday in several parish churches in the county in aid of the same benevolent object. A public meeting (the first yet held) for the purpose of opening local subscription lists was held on Wednesday evening at North Shields, the Rev. G. P. Latimer, a clergyman of the established church, in the chair. The meeting was very numerously attended, and the sum realized in the room considerable. Another public meeting is to be held in Sunderland, under the sanction of the Mayor, and no doubt similar assemblies will take place in all the populous towns of the two great mining counties of Durham and Northumberland. The pitmen are themselves contributing to the relief of the widows and fatherless children deprived of their stay and earthly support by the recent dreadful calamity. They are also petitioning Her Majesty to send inspectors to examine the ventilation of the mines. A meeting was held at Shadon Hall on Wednesday for this purpose, which was addressed by Mr. Roberts and several pitmen.

14th March 1845

The Late Explosion at Haswell Colliery It will be remembered, that soon after the calamitous explosion of fire-damp at Haswell Colliery, in the county of Durham, an official report was made to Government by Messrs. Lyall and Faraday, who were sent down specially by Sir James Graham to investigate the matter, with the view of discovering, if possible, the means of preventing similar accidents. That report was published at the time, and copies were transmitted to the mining districts. The united committee of the coal trade in the North of England, comprising the Blythe, Tyne, Wear, and Tees districts, referred the report to the consideration of a special committee, who have just made their report. It is an elaborate document, and does great credit to the gentlemen by whom it has been prepared.

With some of the opinions expressed by Messrs. Lyall and Faraday the committee express their concurrence, but they differ in others, for reasons which they explain at length. The most important feature in the official document consists of a description of an apparatus which, if adopted, is expected to have the effect of clearing the "goaves" of fire-damp, or of mixtures of common air and fire-damp, either entirely or to such an extent as to prevent an "underflow" into adjacent parts of the mine. To that portion of the report, therefore, the attention of the committee has been chiefly directed. They enter into a long description of the actual state of the "goaves," which they show is incompatible with that required for the efficient working of the apparatus suggested by Messrs. Lyall and Faraday ; and having explained the extreme difficulties, expense, and almost, in their opinion, impracticability of carrying into execution the plan recommended by those gentlemen, together with the extreme uncertainty of its success, they express their regret that they cannot recommend it for adoption. They consider the trade deeply indebted to Messrs. Lyall and Faraday for their exertions, and trust those gentlemen will not give up the investigation of a subject, in relation to which, when its intricate practical difficulties come to be fully appreciated by them, their eminent acquirements may prove highly beneficial.