The Sun.
London, England, 1849-02-09 00:00:00

S 17 N 9 FEBRUARY 9, 1849,

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS.
(From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons,

THURSDAY; FEB. 8.
The foll Owing Railway petitions were presented, and the
Bills ordered to be brought in :
Easteni Counties Company and Newmarket Company
Amalgamation.

York, Newcastle, and Berwick (Newcastle-upon-Tyne and
Carlisle Railway Lease and Amalgamation).
London and South-Western (Extension of Time for the
Purchase of Lands and Completion of Works on the Basing.-
stoke and Salisbury, and Farnham and Alton Lines).
Reading, Guildford, and Reigate (Branch to Loudon and
South-Western Railway—No. 2).
Edinburgh and Northern (Additional Capital and Amend-
ment of Acts).
Caledonian (Purchase or Lease of Wishaw and Cultness
Railway).
Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ardrossan Railway, and Ar-
drossan Harbour Acts Amendment.

York, Newcastle, and Berwick, and Mar,yport and Carlisle
Lease and Amalgamation.
The undernamed Railway Bills were read a first, and
ordered to be read a second time:—

Stockton and Darlington (Lease of Line to the York, New.
castle, and Berwick Railway Company, and Amalgamation o
the two Undertakings).
Edinburgh and Northern (Formation of Slip Quay an
other Works at Granton ; Extension of Station at Edin-
burgh, Regulation of Perth Stations, and Amendment of
Acts).

The undermentioned Railway petition was adjourned by:
the Examiner (Mr. Smith):
Stirling and Dunfermliie (Deviation of Branch to Alloa
Harbour • Diversion of certain Works; Extension of Time
for completing Line and taking Land; and Amendment of
Acts.) Opposed. Standing orders complied with.

LATE COLLIERY EXPLOSION.
WORSBROUGH DALE, FEB. B.—This important, in-
vestigation, respecting the death of the 7.5 persons who
perished by an explosion in Darley Main Colliery, at this
place, on Wednesday, the 24th ult., was resumed this
forenoon at the Masons' Arms, before the district
coroner, Mr. T. Badger.
Mr. Tremenheere, a commissioner under Lord
Ashley's Act relative to mines, and Mr. W. Warrington
Smyth, mineral geologist attached to the geological sur-
vey of the kingdom, the commissioners appointed by the
Government for this occasion, arrived here in the early
part of the present week, and yesterday descended and
examined the mines, accompanied by Mr. Nicholas
Wood, of -Newcastle, colliery viewer to Lord Ravens-
worth and others ; Mr. B. Biram, coal steward to Earl
Fitzwilliam ; and Mr. Goodison, of Lofthouse, near
Leeds, coal-viewer ; gentlemen who had been selected on
account of their eminent scientific and practical attain-
ments.
Joseph Thompson, the underground steward of the
Darley Main Colliery, was the first witness examined.
As usual,-ire examined every part of the pit where the
men had to work ,before they went down in the morning.
All was quite right. Came up about eight, and de-
scended again before ten, and visited all the workings
with a naked candle. Was walking along the first dip-
board when the explosion took place. Had not observed
any change in the state of the air. Fell down insensible
while making for the bottom of the shaft. Could not
say where the explosion took place, but believed it fired
at the top end of the far dip-board, near the throw. The
men were working there with naked candles.:. In some
parts the men. had lamps. Did not know what had
caused the explosion. The owner of the pit found safety
lamps when they were needed, but the men did not like
-to work with: the lamps; and- they used to take-the tops
off whete.the,y iised them. None of the men complainectof
foul.air before the neeident.,, Witness believed, the pit
quite safe. The colliers prefer candles to lamps, because
they give a better light.
James Dunk—Was in the pit at the time of the ex-
plosion, working in the first dip board gate with a naked
candle. Never suspected any defective ventilation. Did
not blame any one for what had occurred.
Thomas Beevers, another collier, confirmed the last
witness, without giving any further information.
The CORONER, for the information of those persons
who were not present at the previous stage of the in-
quiry, read over all the evidence taken prior to this day.
He then asked the jury whether they thought it neces-
sary to hear any of the other colliers; they deemed it
preferable to proceed to the scientific evidence. After
James Hammond, the witness who was examined at the
last sitting of the jury, and who attributed blame to
Thompson, the underground steward, had been recalled,
and asked if he had any addition or alteration to make
in his evidence, who replied in the negative.
Mr. Nicholas Wood was examined. He stated—l have
inspected the Darley Main Colliery with reference to the
recent lamentable accident, along with Mr. Biram, col-
liery agent to Earl Fitzwilliam, Mr. Goodison, of Loft-
house, agent to Messrs. Charlesworth, and Mr. J. T.
Woodhouse, of Overseat, in the county of Leicester,
colliery-viewer, and also in company with Mr. W. W.
Smyth, of London, and Mr. Tremenheere' the commis-
sioner appointed under Lord Ashley's Act. We in-
spected the mine yesterday (Wednesday). I propose,
first, to point out on the map the part of the pit where I
think the explosion began, and then endeavour to ex-
plain the cause. The downcast pit is 130 yards deep.—
Mr. Wood proceeded to describe the course of the air
from the downcast board through the various workings.
At the extreme dip-board the air was divided into two
currents, one proceeding up the bank on the first
dip-board, and the other along the face of the
bank of the second dip-boarding adjoining the
slip. The currents meet at the extreme point
of the north level. The air is there again split, one
portion up the sixth board and the other up the banks
and the old workings next the slip. The two currents
then join, and pass across the bank of the sixth board,
and then at the back of the fifth and fourth boards.
The air again divides, and one portion goes along the
three old bank faces to the engine-board, and then direct
to the furnace and the upcast shaft. The other portion
proceeds to the northern extremity of the old working,
on to the upcast shaft. The air has to travel about three
miles in the working. After a minute inspection of the
workings of the mine with the gentlemen before named,
I am of opinion that the inflammable air exploded in
two places. The first and principal explosion was be-
tween the first and third slit of the bank, next the throw
in the second dip-board; and the other explosion was
in the banks on the south level. I think the cause o

the first explosion was a slight accumulation of inflam-
mable air in the old breaks adjoining the slips in the
banks of the second dip-board. The cause of the second
Explosion was a slight accumulation of inflammable
air in the second arid third bank on the south level,
which I think had been brought in contact with the naked
candles of the men working on those banks, and was
caused by the concussion of the first explosion.
The CORONER—How do you account for the accident?
Witness—l think there is a very trifling production of
gas in the seam of the coal, and that generally the banks
will be pretty free from the accumulation of gas, and
that the quantity of air passing through the pit was
sufficient to carry it off without danger. In this in-
stance there seems to have been two or three reasons for

the accumulation of gas. In the first place, the very
strong wind, indicating a fall of the barometer, which
induces an escape of gas, if there is any in the mine.
This gas would accumulate in those parts of the breaks
where no air passes to carry it off ; and the immediate
effect of the wind would also be in some degree to dimi-
nish the current of air by its action on the up-cast shaft.
Thus there would be an increased production of gas, with
a diminished current of air to carry it off. I should state
also that the practice has been to draw water by tubs up
the up• cast shaft, and the presenco of this tub diminishes
the efficiency of the shaft.
(The inquest was proceeding when our parcel was dis-
patched.)

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. -
The Amphion screw-frigate was taken into the basin
at Sheerness on Tuesday, and was unmasted on Wed-
nesday, and docked, to be brought 'forward for re-com
mission. _ _

The Spiteful steam-sloop, in charge of the.master _of
the flag-ship Ocean, left Sheerness on Wednesday for
chargedPlymoutht.heSiehaemcaelaledguatnPnernrstrefoountgbinyg esttoerdlit gy,ctril
artldri;:
ship Excellent, and-also such seamen and marines lie-be-
longed to that pOrt from the shipa.lately paid off at Sheer-
ness and Chatham.
The Ajax steam guard-ship at Portsmouth" will be
ordered to Devonport, to be the depot shi.p,of. the steam
ordinary at that port. "i"` z:
CHATHAM, FEB. B.—LAUNCH or THE MAIN
STEAMER.—The Elfin steam-vessel,•latnched from her
Majesty's dockyard this day, is-from the design of 0. W.
Lang,_Esq., the assistant 111.1Aert shiPwright_at Wool-
wich. She has been built on the diagonal principle—
three thicknesses of mahogany,lwo of iths diagonally,
and one of 34 inch fore and aft, worked up very.tair and
smooth, much more so than in iron boats. Her. figure-
head is surmounted by a nymph standing on a water-
lily, having watcr-lilies and scroll work for trail
boards; the after end is also ornamented with•a re-
presentation
of a child iu a shell, and scroll work round
the quarters. She has a far more spacious deck than
her appearance would indicate, gradually diminishing to
the hold, so as to enable her to glide over the sea with
the least effect from the undulation 'of the waves, thereby
moving with as little loss of speed as possible. Her
windlass and steering apparatus are far superiors to any-
thing ever before made in this yard, being eflifoiliegany
mounted with brass, brass tiller and blockla;.-the
being galvanized to prevent any.attraction of the com-
pass. A Downton's patent pump has been fitted in mid-
ship, for the various. purposes of clearing thafOre, main,
and after holds, washing decks, _wetting sailii;ei..eitin-
guishing fire, and also to pump fresh waterr from the
lanks—which; considering its-zaanifordlipplii=ll4laben-
pies but a small space, whilst its deck fitments form a
very neat appendage. Her general equipment is of the
same character; there are comfortable deck-quarters for
the commander and officers; the fore cabin is fitted
with equal regard to comfort and convenience;
the engine-room, 22 feet _ .long, occupies Abe
most roomy part of the vessel; but ample, acnkiransa-
dation is still left for the saloon,- ladiea'-e-cabini &c.,
the former 'fitted with bird's eye maple. panne-la end
_mahogany stiles and rails, Frenchpolishedraiid furnished
with sofas; the latter hsving:eouches, which may be con-
verted into beds; the whole being well lighted and ven-
tilated. She is already coppered, and will proceed at
once to the Thames to take in her engines (about 22 tons
weight) from Sir J. Rennie's, Blackfriars Bridge, under
the superintendence of Mr. Humphries. The Elfin Ls
destined to run from Gosport with the maiLto Osborne
House, during the time of her Majesty's sejournin the
Isle of Wight. The following are the dimensions of this
unique little steamer:— ft. in.
Length between the perpendicular 103 -
Breadth extreme, and for tonnage ff.... -214 0
Breadth moulded
••• 13 8
Length of the keel for tonnage ... 93 11 •
Depth in hold ... ..• 7 3
Burthen in tons. O.M.' 97 85-94. New 65 10.
Engine-room 22- .39. Register tonnage 42-261.
The First Lord of the Admiralty, the Right Hon. Sir
F. T. Baring, Bart., having been re-elected M.P. for the
borough of Portsmouth, without the slightest opposition,
on Tuesday last, returned to the Admiralty, and resumed
his duties at the board. • - •
STEERING A SHIP WHEN ON FlRE.—Captain Henry
Mangles Denham, R,N., F.R.S., whose abilities as a
marine surveyor, and as a first-rate practical navigator,
are well known to the mercantile as well as the royal
service, perceiving the importance of ships being pro-
vided with a means of steering when the usual helm
fitments become disabled through being on fire abaft—
the rudder tree or head being shattered by shot or a
wringing strain—the in-board tiller breaking.. short off
—or the wheel gear breaking down suddenly in a gale or
in a tide-way—has con:rived a plan for bringing into
instant action an effective temporary helm, whereby a
vessel is rendered independent of those casualties. As
a practical appliance (without risking a man over-
the stern) when the usual inboard steering apparatus
meets with accident, this fitment recommends itself;
and, if adopted as an established part of every ship's_
equipment, will avert the delay of preparing a substitute
from chance materials on board, in the hour of need,
which is not the hour for contriving, but rather for ap-
plying at once what has been prepared as a stand-by •
Happily, the calamity of a ship on fire rarely occurs,
but when it does, its appalling threatenings to those on
board are most dismaying if the helmsmen are, at the
outburst of flames and smoke, driven from their station!.
The ship then becomes ungovernable, though perhaps
possessing propelling power by canvas or steam that
would, if she could be steered, enable her to close with
succouring vessels, or the nearest land, The other exi-
gencies, however, for which the jury tiller is adapted, are
of such frequent occurrence, and so sadly hamper a ship,-
if not actually risking her safety, whether in broad or
narrow waters, as to crave a forthwith remedy—and
here it is at a coat not exceeding 201. for the largest ship!'
The Herald, 26, Captain Kellet, C. 8., in the Pacific,
having tailed to communicate with the Plover, Com-
mander Moore, we understand that it is the intention of
the Admiralty to order the Herald to Behring's Straits,
in May next, with dispatches._ and __provisions, forthe-
Plover. The orders for the Herald will go out with the
next mail to Chagres, on the 15th inst., and we doubt-
not that any friends or relatives of the officers and men
belonging to the Plover, who aro desirous of communi-
cating with that vessel could forward any letters that
might be sent to the Admiralty before the 16th. •
It is now stated in some papers, under date of Wool-
wich, that the Conflict, screw-frigate, will be detained,
at Sheerness, to have her steam-chest made perfect,-,
instead of proceeding to Devonport with the men paid
off from the President. The fact is, she;,:was Weyer-
ready to go to Devonport, but, as we stated, she was, and,
is, in the hands of the contractors, having her machinery.,
adjusted.

_. .
The Niger, screw•sloop, at Woolwich, it is said, is
having. some alterations made in her valves : we stated
so on Tuesday. The work is pretty nearly finished by
this time.

The Centaur, 5, steam-frigate, Captain Mickle, th%
new flag-ship for the coast of Africa, having coaled at
Devonport, removed into Barnpool, where her compasses
are to be adjusted.
PLYMOUTH, FEB. 7.—APPOINTMENT..—James Brown,
master of the Agincourt, to the Victoria and Albert .
royal yacht, vice Macdonald, to be Master-Attendant at
Portsmoufh. Mr. James Harris is appointed acting
second master in charge of the Plymouth buoy boat, vice
Morris, promoted.
The Tortoise lighter, C. Shearman, master, sailed on
Saturday for Dartmouth, to render assistance.- in raisin
the Mary Ann, sunken schooner.
Amongst the various changes which are to take place
at this dockyard on the Ist of April next, we hear that -
Captain Burgmann, RE., the director of the works, is*,
to join his regiment, and is to be succeeded- here by .
Captain Williams, from Pembroke. Captain. Burg-
mann's removal is considered by some practical itien as
likely to be a loss to the service, as he is well acquainted
with the progress of the works in this yard from their ,
commencement, and he has evinced in the discharge of
his official duties a sound practical knowledge. Mr.
Churchward is likely to be superannuated. His 'sue-
cessor is to have 2001. a year fur the first year, and if
approved at the end of that time, to have a salary of
2501. per annum. One of the extra draftsmen at Key-
ham is to be discharged, as are also four labourers
from the dockyard, now employed under the director
of works.

LIVERPOOL, THURSDAY.—The following letter was
received this morning by Mr. Court, of the Under-
writers' Association:—
" MEN-OF•'WAR IN THE BIGHTS OP 'WESTERN APHICA,

" The Amphitrite, CaNpOtTain2kden, going to Ascension
and St. Paul de Loando, all well. Took five prises.
" The steamers Cygnet and Dolphin, cruising in the
Bights, captured a slaver with 860 slaves on hoard; •
obliged to take 300 herself up to Sierra Leone.
iler
M Majesty's
j.stersteenasm,
bereiFtwireuflpy, Commander Tudor,
having on board Captain Eden, of the Amphitrite, with
his" clerk,
eluding a treaty with King Pepplethfeorßothn
enysurpfrperre,sesoionn•
of the slave trade, was settling disputes between the
King and chiefs of New Calabar River and the British
supercargoes there. Sailed from the Bonny on the 23d
of November, thence to Camaroons, to make inquiries
into certain defalcations that were stated to have oc-
curred in a British vessel trading there.
" The visit of the Firefly to the several rivers on the
Western Coast of Africa, owing to the spirited exer-
tions of Captain Eden, Commander Tudor, and officers,
has powerfully tended to produce amongst the
native
kings and chiefs a more amicable spirit towards British
commerce.
"On board the Firefly—all well."

iTHE LATE ExpLOSION AND LOSS OF LIFE ,LT
eheanvelelfotstinthaeirstlaivteesc;f
DARLEy•MAIN COLLIERY, NEAR BARNSLEY. By the
above melanoholy accident 31 married men and 44,
ernenanhdavbeoybs
3glrewaitdrs.ti,'
tress. As soon as possible after the event a committee
was formed, of which Frederick W. T. Vernon Went-
worth,
auno-dmasrsrieedhird
chairman; Samuel Sharp, Esq., of Darley Hall,' near
Barnsley, was appointed the secretary; and -Pah*. e
Wakefield and Barnsley Union Banking Company,., in Barnsley," were appointed the treasurers. The objects of
the committee will be to raise a fund for the relief of
the surviving sufferers, and the widows; orphans, and
families of those who are dead, in addition to, but inde-
pendently of, such relief as the parochial authorities and
the magistrates of the district may direct to be given.
The education and apprenticeship of the oiphan children-
will be one object of the attention of the committee.- -
The Darley Main Company have commenced the sub-
scription with a donation of 2001., besides having de-
frayed all the expenses of the fun( rids •' and John Jeff-
cock, Eq., time owner of the coal-field, has contributed
100/. We earnestly request that contributions from our
readers may be transmitted either to the secretary or to
the treasurers at their respective addresses before men-
tioned.

TREATIES WITH FOREIGN POWERS.—There were
yesterday issued from the Patlilmentary Pnt.e"ffice
copis of " thu additional articles of the treaty concluded
at the Hague on May 4, 1818, between England and the
Netherlands, for the suppression of theat slave-trade,
signed signed at the _Hague on the 31st of August last;" and a,
copy of tne convention between her Majesty and the
United States of North America, signed
the 15th of December last, for the improvement of the
postal communication between the two states.
M. Ehrenburg, Dean of the Faculty of Mxdicine
of Berlin, has addressed to the Academy of Medicine at
Paris microscopic, operations on the atmosphere at the
time of the cholera. lie declares that he his' Made 'ft d'-'
catalogue of upwards of 300. different forms of corpus-
cules.which float in the upper and lower atmosphere.