The Seaham Colliery Explosion

Yesterday the adjourned inquiry arising out of this explosion was resumed at Seaham Harbour, before Mr. Coroner Maynard. Mr. John Edge, barrister, appeared for Lord Londonderry ; Mr. Atherley-Jones, barrister, for the Miners' Union ; and Mr. R. S. Wright, barrister, for the Home Office. The first witness called was Jacob Steel, who was working in the Harvey seam at the time of the explosion. He gave an account of what occurred in that part of the pit at the time, and said that his comrades and himself worked on until nearly 4 o'clock in the morning, the explosion having occurred at 25 minutes past 2. The atmosphere then became so bad that they had to leave. John Turner, stoneman, was next called. This witness spoke to preparations for shot-firing when he left the pit at 11 o'clock on the day previous to the explosion. Hindson and Rawling, he gave it as his opinion, could not have fired shots that night, as the work they were engaged on was sufficient to keep them occupied until the time of the explosion. Being asked for an expression of opinion as to where the explosion had occurred, he replied that in his belief it had originated at some paraffin lamps used at the bottom of the main coal staple. The gas had, he believed, reached the intake doors and penetrated the staple brickwork. He had never heard any complaints from any of the men about the management of the colliery. William Crosier, miners' delegate, gave evidence as to examining the mine in July last, and finding all comparatively safe. He had heard complaints from the men about gas in the pit. Joseph Spence, master wasteman, deposed to the safety of the returns. Thomas Burt, miners' delegate, had examined the pit in July last. He found gas in one place, near a "goaf." Since the explosion he had been down the pit, and had formed an opinion that the explosion had occurred near No. 3 staple. Hales Harrison, stoneman, gave it as his opinion that the explosion occurred upon No. 1 firehole. At the conclusion of this witness's evidence, the inquiry was adjourned until to-day.