476 
GARFORTH : DEEP MINING. 
mine at a less cost than any otlier mine that can he mentioned. 
From the foregoing it will be inferred that the difficulties actually 
proved in working the mines at Ashton Moss are less than anticipated 
by the Royal Commission. In addition to the improvements which 
have been introduced during the last few years in coal mines, it is 
probable some of the following suggestions may in the future be 
found advantageous in working deep coal. With a view of reducing 
the friction and preventing an increase of temperature from the 
causes referred to, the upcast and downcast shafts should be sunk a 
considerable distance from each other instead of, as at present, close 
together. There are of course objections to this arrangement amongst 
others, the extra length of time required to form a communication 
between the shafts, and the difficulty of driving and maintaining the 
roadways. With reference to the former, the extra length of time 
required to form a communication is not a serious one when com- 
pared with the permanent advantages of reduced friction of air, &c. 
As regards the latter, it has been proved at a depth of 1000 yards, 
that a width of, from 40 to 100 yards, is sufficient to allow the super- 
incumbent strata to break and thus relieve itself. In this width 
roadways can be formed of debris which after a time becomes so con- 
solidated that they are better for ventilating purposes than pillars of 
crushed coal. Pack roadways do not give off gas or heat like the 
natural sides of coal, so that when the temperature of the dirt road- 
way is reduced it is possible the heat of the mine will be the same at 
long distances in-bye as it is at the bottom of the shaft. To prevent 
the natural temperature of the air, being increased by tlie use of 
lamps, &c., or vitiated by the employment of horses, electric lamps 
will be used for lighting the mine, and electric motors for haulage, 
and probabl}^ for getting the coal. 
If electric motors can be used and worked without sparking 
(which is such a serious objection at the present time) it is also 
likely small fans will be introduced at the coal face to promote a 
temporary increased circulation of air, in the same way as the Punkah 
is \ised in India and other hot climates. This arrangement could be 
carried out without interfering with the general ventilation of the 
mine. 
