John Matthews, Cumberland. Manager of the Wellington Colliery company mines. Sworn:-

By Mr. Potts:- Will you tell the gentlemen of the Jury all you know about this accident in the mines on the 15th of July; what examination you made, and what conclusions you came to?

A: A boy came to my place a little after seven o' clock that evening and told me there was a fire in No.6. I went down there and saw some Chinamen on top who has already come up. I asked them where it was and they said the fire was down there. I went on and met some Chinamen coming up at the Drum, No.3 Incline. I passed them and went on up the level to No.2 South, and found the fire was in there.