PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. Ixxxv 



was determined that the miners themselves should be examined as to 

 their practical experience and knowledge. This has been carried out, 

 and I believe there is not a coal miner working to-day, except perhaps 

 in a few mines open only a few months in the winter, who is not the 

 holder of a certificate. After a certain period of employment under 

 ground as loader, driver, etc., he is permitted to assist in cutting coal. 

 The miner, however, in charge of the place in which he works and 

 assists, is the holder of a superior certificate secured by examination. 

 These examinations and the issue of certificates is effected through local 

 boards appointed at each colliery and paid by a small fee. 



These boards also examine applicants for the position of shot h'rers. 

 These are men who are, under certain conditions of the mines, appointed 

 to supervise the firing of the charges of gunpowder or other explosive 

 used in blasting the coal. I may say these examinations of miners and 

 shot firers are viva voce, all the others being by written answers. 



While the business connected with these examinations has added 

 materially to the worK of the Inspector of Mines, it is a satisfaction to 

 know that the results so far have been encouraging. The standard 

 exacted from the candidates compares well with that required in other 

 countries. The Government and people of Nova Scotia may feel pleased 

 that in this respect we have gone ahead of other countries, and have 

 made a successful attempt to place within the reach of every coal miner 

 in the Province the means of his advance to a state of education, and 

 an opportunity of fitting himself for responsible and respectable 

 positions. 



While explosives are permitted in coal mines, and while work is 

 necessary in dangerous atmospheres with lamps liable to accident, even 

 with the greatest care in manufacture and use, so long must the recur- 

 rence of disasters be expected. I will not dwell upon this subject, but 

 wish to point out that the mining authority of the Province has taken 

 every >tep possible to minimise these dangers by its examinations of men 

 and officials 



The thanks of the Institute were presented to the PRESIDENT for his 

 interesting address. 



The report of the TREASURER was read and approved. The accounts 

 had been audited by Messrs. Morton and O'Hearn and found correct. 



