§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked what were the reasons which led to a decision being arrived at to keep the Wellington pit closed for a further period of three months; and whether, if this decision is persisted in, it will make it more difficult to ascertain the cause of the disaster and the reasons which prevented the workmen from making their escape?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe decision referred to was arrived at after several attempts to advance towards the seat of the fire had been made, but without success. On the 14th inst. officials of the mine, equipped with breathing apparatus, attempted to erect a stopping on the intake 230 yards further on than the existing stoppings, but failed, the under-manager nearly losing his life. Attempts were then made to clear part of the mine by opening the doors between the intake and return near the site of the attempted stopping and letting air pass in through the intake stoppings. Several reversals of the ventilation took place, which were probably due to gas explosions near the 1119 seat of the fire, and the stoppings were thereupon again closed. The position is that though the fire cannot burn in the absence of fresh air, the heat is so great that the moment air is admitted the fire must break out afresh, and, the air forming an explosive mixture with the gases of the mine, further explosions must follow. The decision to let the mine remain closed was taken at a conference on the 22nd inst., at which the inspectors, officials, and other experts, and four representatives of the men were present. I understand that the men's representatives agreed to, or at least did not object to, the course decided on. The inspector informs me that he is not of opinion that the decision will make it more difficult to ascertain the cause of the disaster or the reasons which prevented the men making their escape.