Durham Mining Museum - Newspaper Articles (original) (raw)

13th July 1899

North Of England Institute Of Mining And Mechanical Engineers

Meeting At Furness Abbey Yesterday

Interesting Papers On Mining Work

Yesterday (Wednesday) the annual general meeting of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers was held at the Furness Abbey Hotel. Amongst those present were: Messrs. J. L. Hedley, mine inspector, Newcastle; W. Leck, mine inspector, Cleator Moor; J. R Gilchrist, Newcastle; G. S. Corlett, Wigan; J. Stephen Jenns, London; J. Cartmen Ridley, Newcastle; J. F. Davidson, Dalton; C. Vaughan, Millom; H. Ayton, Newcastle; Francis Symons, Ulverston; J. J. Thomas, Kendal; Wm. Dixon, Cleator; W. E. Walker, Cleator; Thomas Rich, Millom; George Scoular, St. Bees; R. W. Moore, Whitehaven; N. Gray, London; M. Walton Brown (sec), Newcastle; J. Vivian, St. Bees; W. Kellet, Dalton; M. Kenedy, Ulverston; Montague Ainslie, Ulverston; Wm. Barratt, Broughton; J. J. Hammer, Dalton; H. Hammer, Dalton; J. C. Ridley, Millom; C. J. Vaughan, Millom; Edward Wadham, Dalton, &c.

Mr. J. L. Hedley, in the absence of the president (Mr. William Armstrong) occupied the chair. The Chairman opened the presiding by remarking that they would no doubt wonder why he was proceeding that day, as he was not president of the Institute. It was not possible for the President to get down, and as vice-president, and the only vice-president present, according to the rules of the Institute he was supposed to preside. It was the first time he had done so, and if he did not come up to the proper standard, he asked them to forgive him for any defects. He was pleased to see such a large assembly from that part of the country attending, and who had kindly agreed to let those present see their works. He was glad to see these gentlemen present. (Applause) It was 18 years ago, he thought, since the members of the Institute visited this part of the country. Whether there were any here now who were present on that occasion he did not know. He felt sure they would appreciate what was going to be shown them. He then called on the secretary, Mr. Brown, to read the minutes.

Fire-Damp In Iron-Ore Mines

The first paper read was the one on firedamp in the iron-ore mines of Cumberland and Furness. The Chairman remarked he thought that it was desirable to say a few words about firedamp, which was unknown in many mines until recently. It was thought desirable to draw attention to the fact, just as a little warning to those who have never seen firedamp in their lives.

Mr. Leck then read the paper as follows, the authors being Messrs. Hedley and Leck, H. M Inspectors of Mines :—

The visit of The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers to the Furness district was suggested to the writers as a desirable and opportune occasion on which to present a short paper dealing with above subject from an essential standpoint. To many people however, and probably to none more so than to the bulk of the persons employed in connection with the iron-ore mines of Cumberland, the title of this paper will appear as some what of a misnomer, inasmuch as the majority of Cumberland iron-ore miners have happily, never come into contact with this dangerous gas. Until last, year, indeed, the Cumberland ion-ore mines, with one exception, were entitled to claim entire immunity from the visitation of this insidious and unwelcome agent. The exception referred to is the Montreal Mine, situate at Cleator Moor, and although gas has from time to time been noted, it should be mentioned that no accidents have been recorded, probably owing to the fact that the officials, having a practical knowledge of the nature and proportion of fire-damp, take the precaution to carefully inspect with locked safety-lamps any place where it is likely to generate or accumulate. Montreal enjoys the unique distinction of being both a coal and iron-ore mine, both minerals being drawn up the same shaft. The only other iron-ore mine in Cumberland where firedamp has been found is at Hodbarrow by far the largest and most important metalliferous mine in the district. It was not until August 1893 that for the first time the presence of gas was there discovered, and then a small quantity, which had collected in a cavity in the roof, ignited at a miner's candle. The injuries inflicted were very slight, and the man continued at his work. Most of the Furness iron-ore mines have had some experience of firedamp, but not in large quantities. Although the accumulations of fire-damp in these iron-ore mines has never reached such an extent as to create the dreadful havoc and destruction too often experienced in coal mines, yet the records show that fire-damp is a factor which must be rekoned with in winning iron-ore in this part of the district. During the last seven years ten accidents from explosions of firedamp in iron-ore mines have been reported, whereby twelve persons were more or less seriously injured. The only fatal accident from this cause, which occurred in the district, took place at the Mouzell Mine, near Dalton, in 1888, when a man was so severely burned that he succumbed to the injuries received. There can, the writers think, be no question as to the source or origin of firedamp in any of the mines hitherto investigated. At Montreal Mine, Cumberland, the iron-ore is found in close proximity to coal, and, as will be seen from diagram herewith, the principal coal fault forms the boundary of the iron-ore. In his mine, the geological information is at once an explanation of the presence of gas, and it is not surprising that under these conditions gas is met with in working the iron-ore. The methods adopted in mining the softer ores of Furness are largely the same as those in use at the Hodbarrow Mine, in Cumberland, and the presence of gas, in both of these districts, may be directly traced to the same cause, viz, the decomposition of mining timber, especially in places where water is percolating. The accidents investigated have all occurred in places where old and decaying timber was present in large quantities, and in no case has gas been discovered in the Furness iron-ore mines in opening out new or virgin ground. The reason why gas has not been found at the Hodborrow Mine, until recently, is probably owing to the fact that this mine is much younger than those in Furness, were explosions have occurred, and the process of decomposition of timber is not, therefore so far advanced. Fire-damp being, lighter than air, would naturally be exposed near the roof, and especially in rise-workings, hence the writers find that most, though not all, of the accidents occurred through small quantities of gas collecting amongst the old timber which forms the roof of ordinary working places. These mines are all worked with open lights, and the actual explosions has usually been caused by the miners pushing his candle into the interstices or cavities amongst the roof timber — of cause in complete ignorance of the fact that gas was lodging therein Old workings, which had been abandoned for some considerable time and were only partially closed, were, on being re-opened, responsible for some of the accidents, and although, as previously observed, the gas is not met with in large quantities, there was sufficient to give the person concerned more or less serious burns. In view of the peculiar nature of the accidents, and owing to the fact that they may occur at any moment, inasmuch as the miners, generally speaking, have had little experience of fie-damp, it behoves the officials responsible for the management of each mine to take precautions similar to those adopted in coal-mines, and have each working-place examined with safety lamps prior to the commencement of ordinary work — proceeding on the prudent assumption that as gas is generated in a mine, its occurrence may be expected in any part thereof. The practice of examining part of the mine with safety-lamps and part with open lights is unwise, and has been the cause of many accidents in coal-mines in the past. Good ventilation is, of course, essential in every mine, both for the health of the workmen, and in order that pernicious gases may be safely diffused, nevertheless the precaution above mentioned should never be relaxed. In conclusion, the writers may be permitted to express the hope that — inasmuch as the Metaliferous Mines Regulation Act, 1872, has never been amended, so far as its safety provisions are concerned — a new amending Act may became law at an early date. The provisions of the existing Act are unsatisfactory and incomplete, and although the writers have pleasure in stating that mine owners as a rule, have gone far beyond the requirements of the Act, so far as the safety of the workers is concerned; it is at the same time exceedingly desirable, in the interests of all concerned, that the Act of a moderate nature should be passed with the view of bringing the regulations affecting metaliliferous mines into line with modern requirements.

Mr. Ayton (Newcastle) objected to the last paragraph with regard to legislation. They had probably too much legislation, and when the management were doing the work required he did not see why they required to bring in an Act of Parliament to make mine owners do what they were already doing. He thought that all mine managers and everybody connected with mines were doing their best. With regard to legislation, he contended that they had sufficient and did not require any more.

Mr. Vaughan (Millom) said it was quite right as had been mentioned in the paper, that they had gas at the Hodbarrow Mines. They had found it on two occasions. It was found in close proximity to where timber was decaying. They fortunately found it in time for the man's safety and steps were taken to clear the place of gas, and no harm was done. Where there was a quantity of old timber in process of decomposition the presence of gas might be expected. The Hodbarrow Mines were not so young as might be thought by the paper. They were working for about 40 years, but the first time gas was discovered was in 1888.

Mr. Barratt alluded to the paragraph dealing with the inspecting of the mine for gas. He assumed that it only referred to places where gas might be expected.

The Chairman: It refers to all workings.

Mr. Barratt contended that would be impossible.

Mr. Ridley asked if the fire-damp was found in dry workings and also asked if the composition of the gas was known.

Mr. Brown wished to know whether the water that percolated was acid or not.

Mr. M. Kennedy stated that in their mines they found gas in the driest places.

Mr. Walker said he did not see what difference the water made. His experience was that the gas was in the driest timber. He never noticed or found it at all in damp or wet timber. He did not understand why wet timber was specially mentioned. He could not see any reason himself for it.

The Chairman invited Mr. Leck to reply to the various points raised.

Mr. Leck said there was a difficulty in obtaining samples of the gas. Where ever he had to go to investigate a place he always found it absolute free from gas, and of course could not get any samples to have it analysed. In reference to the question as to whether the gas was generated in wet or dry places, the actual experience of the inspector with regard to the instances where cases had been investigated was that its existence for the most part was due to water percolating through the roof. He supplied examples where this had occurred. So far as he could ascertain, the gas was of the same composition as marsh gas, and was formed in the same way. With regard to Mr. Ayton's remarks concerning new legislation in metalliferous mines, there had been no new legislation since 1872. The legislation suggested would not interfere with those mine owners who were already keeping up with the times, but would bring into line every mine in the district. They had no difficulty with some mines, but they were a little laggard at others. It was only fair to mine owners and their representatives that all should be alike, and he argued there should be a new Act or an amendment of the present Act of Parliament for the better regulation of metalliferous mines (Applause.)

A paper on the machinery and process of iron-ore washing at the Park Mines, in the Furness District of North Lancashire, was then presented by Mr. Kellett, mining engineer, Wigan.

Consideration of the paper was postponed till those present had an opportunity of seeing the workings on the following day

The Visit To Hodbarrow

At 1.25, the members of the Institute left for Furness Abbey by special train en route for the Hodbarrow Mines were the Hodbarrow Company had provided a sumptuous luncheon in a large marquee, which was erected close to the offices. The special train conveyed the visitors from the Millom Station down the branch line past the ironworks, through the Hodbarrow Mines, and along the seawall, to the offices of the Company. Some interest was created by the new pig-lifting machine at the Millom Iron works, which could be plainly seen as the special slowly steamed past the works.

At the luncheon, Mr. Hedley heartily thanked Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Barratt, and the Hodbarrow Co. for their hospitality. He only regretted that there were not more members of the Institute there to enjoy it. He hoped in the future, if they ever had the chance to come there again, they would have a much better turn out, and so do more justice to Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Barratt, and the Company. The Hodbarrow Mines were the most important in his (Mr. Hedley's) district. It was one of the mines he had never had to grumble about. It was one of those which was in advance of the times. He thought after they had a look round the mines they could find nothing to complain about, but would find that the Company were doing everything they could. He did not know whether it was a prosperous mine or not — (cries of "Oh. Oh!") — but he could only hope the Company would have every success in the future. He asked the company to drink success to the Hodbarrow Mines, and he would couple the toast with the names of Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Barratt suitably acknowledged the toast. Both Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Barratt suitably acknowledged the toast.

The Hodbarrow Seawall

The Scheme Completed And Awaiting Lord Lonsdale's Approval To Proceed With The Work

The engineers then paid a visit to the Hodbarrow offices, where Mr. Vaughan gave a lucid description of the Hodbarrow Mines and the present seawall, and entered into some interesting details respecting the seawall, which is now under contemplation.

Mr. Vaughan, in explaining the workings of the Hodbarrow Mines, had a specially prepared plan of the 25in. Ordnance map. The mines were first discovered by finding ore at a place near Towsey Holes, at Hodbarrow rocks. The privilege for finding ore was granted to the Company in 1855, and the Company proceeded to bore, the father of his friend, Mr. Barratt, putting the first borehole down. It was observed that the ore converged towards a particular point, and putting down a bore hole 100 feet of solid ore was found. That was the beginning of the mines, in 1856. The deposit was a very good one. The Company erected workmen's houses on the Hodbarrow Mines, and whilst sinking a well to supply these houses with water a further large deposit of ore was found. The bore hole was put down to the bottom of the well to increase the supply of water and the bore-hole went into ore. That deposit overlapped the other deposit, and in some places had not more than ten fathoms of covering. In one place it came almost towards the surface. Mr. Vaughan then explained the plans which he had prepared, one of which gave an idea of the vast body of ore which ran seawards far beyond the seawall. Judging by the diagram, the further seawards ore went the thicker the body of ore became. At first the Company had only the right to get ore as far as highwater mark and they had to leave a quantity 60 fathoms wide to protect mines from the sea. That was to preserve the safety of the mines, which was worked on the old system of carving in. In time a revetment to protect the sandbanks from the sea had to be constructed. They had to get Lord Lonsdale's permission to build the wall (the old wooden one.) Terms were arranged and in addition their Company's grant was extended seaward. The Company were obliged to do something otherwise the mines would have been brought to a stand still. The present seawall was the last important work which Sir John Goad finished before he died. He was very much interested in it, as it involved besides a seawall a water-tight dam. It was found to be perfectly water-tight against the action of the sea. The wall proper was made of concrete en mass, and was carried down to the bed of clay, which varied in depth from 18ft to 22ft, below the surface of the shore. Behind the seawall there was a bank of puddle clay, which went to the clay below the wall. The result of this work was that not a drop of water had percolated during the ten years the wall had been in existence. From a model, the construction of the wall was fully explained.

A Great Body Of Ore

There was still a large body of ore which they could not touch, though yet inside the wall. The result of the various borings were given by Mr. Vaughan, there being iron-ore 70ft, 90ft, and 13ft in thickness inside the wall, and the different bore holes outside the wall showed the thickness of the ore according to the different bore holes to be 33ft, 49ft, 98ft, and 13ft. In a borehole now going, 77ft was passed through, whilst others showed 24ft, 67ft, and 81ft of ore. The ore extended westward, towards Barrow.

The New Seawall Scheme

The scheme was to enclose the ground from near Concrete Square to close to Hodbarrow Point. The sea would be excluded entirely. They might think it rather foolish to enclose so much ground Haverigg - wards, seeing that the bore hole did not indicate that there was ore there. There were reasons, however, for it, besides the expense was no greater than having the wall brought nearer (at the Haverigg side) to the present wall. The further seaward they went the thicker the limestone roof became, so that it might at length be quite safe to take out the ore underneath, in consequence of the limestone roof being so thick.

The Ground Enclosed By The Seawall

It was proposed to enclose 170 acres by the new seawall. It would be 6,750 feet in length, and the construction would not be altogether the same as the present seawall. Their experience went to show them that a more flexible structure than the present one (which was liable to fracture) was preferable. The engineering work was to be carried out by the firm of the late Sir John Goad. The mass at the back of the wall would be of limestone rubble, faced by blocks of concrete pitched pell, mell to break the force of the sea. The structure would be made water-tight with puddle clay, brought up inside several feet above highwater mark, and also by a sheet of piles driven into the ground to prevent the water from percolating. According to the best authorities in the country, this construction would be water-tight certainly during the time the tide was in.

The Recent Break

The mishap which occurred twelve months ago was rather alarming at the time. One morning they found that the seashore (opposite the offices) caved in, and there was a run of sea water into the mine. Fortunately this was found almost as soon as it occurred, and they had the hole blocked up with furze and clay, and the rush of water was stopped, through not altogether. Almost an area of ground had subsided on the sea side of the wall. They managed to get this filled up and made perfectly watertight. This subsidence caused a crack in the wall, and the engineers who built the wall were called in. The successors of Sir John Goad agreed that the wall was capable of standing any severe shocks if protected, from the sea by the construction of a wave-breaker, consisting of blocks of concrete, in front of the wall. There was also a large quantity of clay placed at the back to support the wall. By this means the wall was made safe and perfectly watertight.

The Old And New Methods Of Working

With regard to the methods of working, in the present mines the caving in system was adopted. In the reclaim portion the American style was to be adopted, which would be found to answer admirably. Owing to the side drag experience in the old workings, the American system of working was not found to answer, but in virgin ground he believed it would answer admirably. At some future meeting his colleague and himself proposed, after some more experience, to give a paper on the question of American timbering. (Applause.) In this country it was entirely new, the Hodbarrow Company being the first to try it.

The Geology Of The Mine

The geological features of the mine was very interesting. He believed that the ore was entirely covered over with the limestone formation, but was worn away like a wedge by the action of glaciers. Traces of the action of glaciers were to be found at the Red Hill quarries. The top of the limestone was ground perfectly smooth. Traces of this action were also to be observed at a Hodbarrow point. He was afraid a quantity of the iron ore had also been carried away, during the ice age as traces of it was to be found in the broken cobbles and limestone. The glaciers might have taken away the limestone but left the ore. (Laughter.) In reply to a question, Mr. Vaughan said that the traces of limestone below the ore was in the shape of traces in conglomerate. This was an interesting feature, it being the lowest member of the old red sandstone. This geological formation, he believed, tended to show traces of a second and former ice age. He had read an interesting book by Sir Robert Ball, professor of astronomy, Cambridge, who contended that ice ages recur every 25,000 years, being due to the earth being drawn out of its orbit by certain influences of other planets. It was quite possible that the conglomerate under the iron ore was due to the effects of one ice age, and another ice age stripped the limestone off the ore.

The Chamber Of Horrors

Mr. Barratt gave an explanation of the different large portraits which graced the room where the meeting was held. For some reason he said the room was known as the chamber of horrors. Amongst the portraits was a fine one of Mr. W. S. Caine, taken whilst he was M.P. for Barrow; the late Mr. John Barratt, the late Mr. Nathaniel Caine, the late Mr. T. Woodburn, also Mr. W. I. Barratt's father, and Mr. W. I. Barratt himself, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Petherick, Mr. T. Barratt, Mr. Bewley, &c.

Complimentary

Mr. Hedley proposed thanks to Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Barratt, and the directors of the Hodbarrow Mines.

In acknowledging the vote of thanks, Mr. Vaughan said the Company had the scheme for the new wall now prepared, and which they considered very satisfactory. The scheme was now before Lord Lonsdale and his trustees awaiting their approval, and for them to say what they would contribute. If terms were satisfactorily arranged the work would go on, but not before.

The company then paid a visit to the mines, and also to Red Hill quarries, after which they joined the special train and returned to Furness Abbey.

Newspaper transcript kindly provided by
West Cumbria Mines Research.