2 
Nothing is so likely to accomplish this end as the endeavour 
to throw as much light as possible upon the subject. We 
ought not only to endeavour to discover other fields of coal, 
in addition to those which are already kno^vn, but we should 
improve as much as possible the methods of working those 
which we already possess. A great protection has doubtless 
been extended to miners by the important and valuable in- 
vention of Sir Humphry Davy — the Safety Lamp. It gives 
me great pleasure to observe that, at a recent meeting of this 
societ}-, the improvement of that most valuable invention 
was made the subject of discussion. I am sorry to say, that 
on my own property, and in my own immediate neighbour- 
hood, we have been heavy sufferers from explosions by fire- 
damp. On no occasion, however, have accidents occurred 
when the Davy lamp has been properly used ; but they have 
arisen either from the miners working without the lamp, or 
from their using it in an improper manner. I have no 
doubt that any improvement of this most valuable instru- 
ment would be hailed by mineral proprietors with the 
greatest satisfaction. There is another subject which I have 
had much at heart ever since I have resided in this neigh- 
bourhood, and I cannot help expressing a hope that the Coal 
and Iron Masters of the West- Riding will unite together to 
institute a society for the maintenance of those who suflFer 
by the terrible accidents to which I have alluded. I have 
already suggested to Earl Fitzwilliam the propriety, or rather 
the necessity, of establishing an accident fund. A society 
might be formed on the principle of the benefit societ)^ esta- 
blished by Mr. Nicholls, (who has been made one of the 
Poor Law Commissioners,) which has been of such important 
advantage in the midland parts of England. I hope that 
something will be done to set the matter in motion. 
On the motion of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. George 
Chambers, the following Noblemen and Gentlemen were 
