Mr. Bubblers Account of the Explosion in Jarraw Colliery. 203 



the safety lamp was not generally used, nor can be generally used in 

 future, is, that the use of gunpowder in the working of the coal is quite 

 indispensable, and, as the inflammable air ignites at the explosion of 

 gunpowder, our main dependence must, in all such cases, rest chiefly 

 upon the efficiency of the ventilation. Without the use of this power- 

 ful auxiliary, it is not practicable to work the coals out of this part of 

 the mine in a marketable state, nor at a price that would pay for the 

 working. Many collieries are similarly circumstanced, and a certain 

 degree of risk must, therefore, be unavoidably incurred, or they must 

 cease to be worked. 



By proper precautions in firing the shots,* and the occasional use 

 of the safety lamp, the degree of risk maybe greatly lessened. As it 

 is only in such cases as this, now under our consideration, that any 

 material risk of explosion can arise, and even this risk may be obviated 

 by due vigilance and attention on the part of the colliers and of those 

 to whose care they are committed. 



In viewing the back east drift this morning (October 18), I observed 

 the Coal in the face to have assumed the same sort of appearance as is 

 described by Cowey, to have occured in the fore drift a few hours be- 

 fore the accident happened, on the 3d of August, that is to say, the 

 Coal has become shivery and tender, and on striking it with the pick 

 it sounds hollow. 



I have directed a bore hole to be made, and continued six yards in 

 advance of the face, so that if a bag of foulness should lie in front of 

 the line of the drift, it will be tapped by the bore-hole, and the gas let 

 oif without incurring any risk ; and I feel persuaded, that if Cowey 

 had given due notice of the change he observed, so as to have allowed 

 of the precaution of an exploratory boring being made in front, the 

 accident might have been prevented. 



It is impossible to say too much in praise of the colliers belonging to 

 the colliery, for their prompt exertions in endeavouring to save the 

 lives of their unfortunate brethren on this melancholy occasion, as well 

 as to the viewers, overmen, and workmen belonging to the neighbour- 



* Shots, blasting the Coal. 



