304
Where hydraulicing or Gravel pump mining is permitted, a sketch plan should be attached to the permit indicating the limits of the dumping area, and spillways should be of masonry construction, no wooden spillways being allowed. The mines overseer should inspect regularly and report any cases where planks on spillways or hidden contraptions in dams are used to discharge slimes unlawfully at night, in which event the miner should be prosecuted.
Part VI.
Provides for the penalties for breach of the mining regulations, without which the proper control of mining operations is not possible.
Part VII.
Covers points in general which are self explanatory.
Schedules I and II.
These mining regulations, which provide for the control of mining operations in general permit the issue of a simple standard form of mining lease and pro- specting licence in place of the lengthy and complicated forms formerly in force. They also provide for the addition of any special condition as may be considered necessary in any particular case, but in view of the regulations, in practice these are rarely necessary and, if required, should be limited as far as possible.
Before being brought into use these suggested draft mining regulations should be referred to the Crown Solicitor for any necessary revision, but from a technical point of view, any variations that may be considered necessary should be of form rather than of substance.
20. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING EXISTING MINES.
I have made a detailed inspection of the mines working at present and my report and recommendations regarding each one are contained in Appendix II attached to this report.
21. ACCIDENTS.
As the control of mines will be under Government officers who are not acquainted with mining operations, it should be kept in mind that mining is a hazardous occupa- tion and that without a mines department accidents are only to be expected. With the suggested regulations in force however, the appointment of a mines overseer and the gradual training of unskilled labour the mumber of accidents should be reduced to a minimum in future.
22. I have to express my thanks to the management of the mines visited for transport to the mines and their co-operation in supplying information necessary for my investigations, and to Mr. R. J. Minnitt, Third Assistant Colonial Secretary, for producing a large number of Government files and plans and for his.advice on matters of procedure.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
A. E. P. KERSHAW,
Senior Inspector of Mines, Perak,
Federated Malay States.