10^th March 1928

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The Haig Pit Explosions

Colliery Manager's Evidence

The inquiry into the explosions in the Haig Pit was resumed yesterday at Whitehaven by Mr. Henry Walker, Chief Inspector of Mines.

Mr. W. H. Johnson, general manager of the Whitehaven Colliery Company, Limited, owners of the mine, said that no pressure was exercised by the management to have the pit explored at the earliest possible moment after it was sealed following the December explosion.

Major Scoular (Cumberland Coalowners' Association). — If there was any pressure, did it come from the men ? — I should not say they exercised any pressure. Mr. Hanlon (the local miners' agent, who was killed) was naturally anxious to get his men back to work as soon as it was safe.

Mr. Johnson said he was satisfied at the time, from observations of the atmosphere behind the stoppings, and other factors, that to enter the affected district on February 11 was a proper course to take. Continual observation was made at a stopping which he considered to be a key position, and conditions seemed exceedingly good. He thought stone dust prevented the explosions from extending. He had no idea what caused them. The Haig Pit was moderately gassy.

Mr. Herbert Smith (president of the Miners' Federation). — When I tell you there were 478 separate reports of gas in 12 months, does that cause you to alter your opinion ? — No.

Do you think it was wise when a colliery had been stopped for a long period to start exploring immediately the stoppings were broken ? — I cannot think of a better method. The mines inspectors agreed to this course.

"That is a very debateable point." said Mr. Johnson, replying to Mr. Frowen (Federation of Colliery Deputies), who asked if he did not consider that selected workmen in every party should carry oil lamps to test for gas.

Mr. Frowen. — Yes, but we shall all have to give our opinion, and perhaps have a fierce fight on the matter.

Mr. Johnson said that he would prefer an electric lamp with a gas testing attachment, in connexion with which research was being made.

When Mr. Johnson was questioned about the length of notice he proposed to give the men's representatives of any intention to open the mine, Major Scoular interposed, and said that after the last explosion, at a conference on February 15, Mr. Richardson, of the Miners' Federation, and Mr. T. Cape, M.P., of the Cumberland Miners' Association, both declined to give any information, help, or advice.

Mr. Richardson said that he and Mr. Cape reserved their right to keep the results of their observation to themselves, to exercise any claims they had under the Act, and to agree or disagree with any step the management took.

Mr. Cape said that he was prepared to explain his position in the witness-box.

William Thompson, an inspector appointed by workmen, said that when he heard on February 9 that the stoppings had been interfered with he would not believe it, as the management had promised to give him a week's notice. He went to the colliery office, where Mr. Johnson said that anything that had been done was in preparation for opening up on Saturday. He asked Mr. Johnson if he thought it was fair to men in the Wellington Pit to interfere with the stoppings in the Haig Pit while they were working.

Thompson said that he had seen dilly wheels (over which the coal conveyors run) in the pit hot and smoking. Some time ago complaints were made, and men's inspectors were ordered to make a special investigation.

The Inspector. — Did you see any sparks ? — No. If the former under-manager had let the dillies be run on the day of the inspection as they usually ran we should have seen what they would produce. The man who was under-manager at the time told the lads how they were to be run that day.

Mr. T. Cape, M.P. (general secretary of the Cumberland Miners' Association), was questioned by Major Scoular.

The Whitehaven Colliery Company have endeavoured to eliminate any possible sort of ignition of gas by reducing the number of flame safety lamps ? — Yes, they have reduced the number of flame lamps.

And by stopping shot firing in coal ? — I was surprised to hear there had been any shot firing in top coal in this pit.

Mr. Cape said he had had no request from face workers to be supplied with flame lamps. There should be a testing lamp in every working place, but not necessarily an oil lamp, for he was told there was now an electric lamp with an appliance that showed the presence of gas.

Major Scoular asked Mr. Cape to join with him in placing on record highest appreciation of the devotion and gallantry of all the men who lost their lives on February 12 and of the services of those who assisted unsuccessfully to explore the district.

The Inspector. — We all agree heartily with that.

Mr. Cape said that the reason why he refused at the conference the day after the February explosions to consent to the sealing-up of the affected area was that it was not his duty to act in the capacity of mines manager or inspector.

Mr. Herbert Smith. — Was that largely because you had not seen the mine since the explosion ? — Yes.

Mr. H. T. Foster, a senior inspector of mines in the Newcastle district, said that he thought the method adopted in exploring the mine, opening the stoppings, and following the air in immediately was the proper one in this case.

Mr. W. B. Brown, junior inspector of mines, said that the two sets of explosions might have arisen from different causes.

After an expression of sympathy with the bereaved relatives, in which all present joined, the Inspector adjourned the inquiry, stating that it would not be re-opened until there had been an opportunity of inspecting the workings.