39.

Q: That is lamp "C".

A: Yes, but this lamp "A" certainly could not have caused it.

Q: Lamp "C" was in the cave?

A: In regard to lamp "B" in No.5, it is possible that could have caused the explosion, but it is not very probable. For this reason; it was found 35 feet down the road away from the face. The ground is rising quite steep there, and it would be several feet below the level of No.6 so that, if there was gasexisting in quantity, it would simply have been impossible for anyone to have stayed there and live, because the gas would have extinguished all the lights. It could have caused it, but it is not probable. When I say it could have caused it, it might have struck the tail end of the gas and rushed inwards and caught on, but it is not probable. That is a very farfetched reason. I don't think it could have done it.

Q: Is there any precaution taken to prevent Chinese taking matches down the mines?

A: We have searched them occasionally, but not every day.

Q: Have you known cases in which Chinese struck matches down here?

A: Yes.

Q: Recently?

A: Recently. I told the foreman that time that if he caught any more to report them to me and I would see they were punished, but unfortunately this came on so soon after, there was no opportunity.