16 
warnings of experience, and wilfully neglects to observe the precautions dictated by 
it and brought prominently under liis notice in every conceivable way, it is evident 
that no Act of Parliament, however perfect, and no amount of care in the administra¬ 
tion of it, can have any perceptible effect in diminishing the number of mining 
accidents. 
Mine owners, I cannot conclude this brief summary without expressing my obligations to the 
mine owners, mining managers, and others who have favoured me with reports and 
drawings for this publication, and in other respects facilitated its compilation. To the 
officers of the Department stationed in country districts, as well as to those in the 
Head Office, and to the Travelling Inspector of Mining Machinery, I also owe my best 
thanks for the zealous attention they have given to the duties entrusted to them. 
I have the honour to be, Sir, 
Your most obedient servant, 
C. W. LANGTREE, 
Acting Secretary for Mines and Water Supply. 
Department of Mines and Water Supply, 
Melbourne, 30th April, 1885. 
