[Coquet]

RADCLIFFE.

Inquest on Victim of Explosion- At Newcastle Infirmary, on Wednesday night, Mr R.E.B. Lisle, deputy coroner, resumed the inquest on Stephen Hume, 26, a miner of Long Row North, Radcliffe Colliery, who died in the institution on August 17th from injuries received while following his employment at Newburgh Colliery on August 16th. George Hume, a brother said that he and his brother went to work on the night of August 16th in Bailey’s drift at Newburgh Colliery. His brother was taken by the Chargeman to do some work, witness being left about 60 yards away. Shortly afterwards witness heard report, followed by a gust of wind, which blew out one of the lamps near him. They were naked lights. Witness heard his brother shout and went to his assistance. His brother was injured about the head and legs. One of his arms was broken. Samuel Aynsley the Chargeman, lost his life. Witness’s brother did not say how the accident happened. John Wardle, deputy Overman, said the accident occurred in the Duke Seam at Newburgh Colliery. The pit had not been working for about a week previous to the accident, and no work had been done at the place in question for about four weeks. On August 14th he examined the place, and did not find any gas. The place was fenced off and a danger board up. It was Aynsley’s duty to examine the place before anyone went to work there. Witness examined the place after the accident and found a safety lamp belonging to Aynsley, as well as Hume’s clothes, and an open lamp which belonged to Hume. He could not say how the accident was caused. Wm, Pringle of Warkworth, a Stoneman, said Aynsley the Chargeman sent witness and Hume to work in the narrow boards. The Chargeman and Hume went into the place, and witness went to another part for his gear. When sixteen yards away he felt a rush which was followed by an explosion in the place where Aynsley and Hume were. Witness was thrown down and injured. He struggled to his feet and could hardly get his breath on account of the fumes. He got to the bottom of the bank by another road, and saw Hume being assisted by his brother. George Elliott, Chargeman said that after the accident he went to the place but could not get to Aynsley’s assistance. A stronger current of air was got on by placing a door on the bank, - A verdict of “accidental death” was returned.