C—l 4.

2

(6.) To determine the efficiency of the inspection of the mine by— (a.) The Inspector of Mines for the district; (b.) The workmen's inspectors. (7.) To make suggestions for the prevention, as far as possible, of similar accidents, and for the safe working of this and other mines in the future. (8.) To ascertain if the provisions of the existing law are sufficient to give the Inspector of Mines full authority to order the use of safetylamps and other appliances if in his opinion such appliances are necessary. (9.) And generally to make inquiry into any matter or thing arising out of or connected with the several subjects of inquiry hereinbefore mentioned, or which in your opinion may be of assistance in fully ascertaining, explaining, and arriving at a fair and just conclusion in respect to the subjects of inquiry, and into the working of the existing law in respect to the prevention of similar accidents, and to report whether any additional legislation is necessary, and the scope of same, or whether an amendment of the regulations under the existing law can be made sufficient to provide reasonable and proper safeguards. And with the like advice and consent I do further appoint you the said Fredbrick James Burgess to be Chairman of the said Commission. And for the better enabling you to carry these presents into effect you are hereby authorized and empowered to make and conduct any inquiry under these presents at such place or places in the said Dominion as you may deem expedient, with power to adjourn from time to time and from place to place as you think fit, and to call before you and examine on oath, or otherwise as may be allowed by law, such person or persons as you may think capable of affording you any information in the premises ; and you are also hereby empowered to call for and examine all such books, documents, papers, maps, plans, or records as you judge likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject of this Commission, and to inquire of and concerning the premises by all other lawful ways and means whatsoever, and also to use the evidence taken in the course of any previous inquiry touching the accident. And, using all diligence, you are required to report to me, under your hands and seals, your opinion resulting from the said inquiry in respect of the several matters and. things inquired into by you under or by virtue of these presents not later than the first day of November next ensuing, stating in such report what steps, if any, it would, in your opinion, be expedient to adopt under the circumstances which you find to exist, and in what manner effect should be given to such recommendation. And it is hereby declared that this Commission shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry be not regularly continued from time to time by adjournment, and that you or any two of you shall and may from time to time proceed in execution hereof, and of every power, matter, and thing herein contained. And, lastly, it is hereby further declared that these presents are issued under and subject to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies ; and issued under the Seal of the said Dominion, at the Government House at Wellington, this twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fourteen. W. PRASER, Minister of Mines. Issued in Executive Council. J. F. ANDREWS, Clerk of the Executive Council.