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Provisions as to coroners’ inquests on deaths from accidents in mines.
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48. With respect to coroners’ inquests on the bodies of persons whose death may have been caused by explosions or accidents in or about mines, the following provisions shall have effect:
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(1) Where a coroner holds an inquest on the body of any person whose death may have been caused by any explosion or accident, of which notice is required by this Act to be given to the inspector of the district, the coroner shall adjourn the inquest unless an inspector, or some person on behalf of a Secretary of State, is present to watch the proceedings:
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(2) The coroner, at least four days before holding the adjourned inquest, shall send to the inspector for the district notice in writing of the time and place of holding the adjourned inquest:
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(3) The coroner, before the adjournment, may take evidence to identify the body, and may order the interment thereof:
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(4) If an explosion or accident has not occasioned the death of more than one person, and the coroner has sent to the inspector of the district notice of the time and place of holding the inquest at such time as to reach the inspector not less than twenty-four hours before the time of holding the same, it shall not be imperative on him to adjourn the inquest in pursuance of this section, if the majority of the jury think it unnecessary so to adjourn:
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(5) An inspector shall be at liberty at any such inquest to examine any witness, subject nevertheless to the order of the coroner:
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(6) Where evidence is given at an inquest at which an inspector is not present of any neglect as having caused or contributed to the explosion or accident, or of any defect in or about the mine appearing to the coroner or jury to require a remedy, the coroner shall send to the inspector of the district notice in writing of such neglect or defect:
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(7) Any person having a personal interest in or employed in or in the management of the mine in which the explosion or accident occurred shall not be qualified to serve on the jury empannelled on the inquest; and it shall be the duty of the constable or other officer not to summon any person disqualified under this provision, and it shall be the duty of the coroner not to allow any such person to be sworn or to sit on the jury:
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(8) Any relative of any person whose death may have been caused by the explosion or accident with respect to which the inquest is being held, and the owner agent or manager of the mine in which the explosion or accident occurred, and any person appointed by the order in writing of the majority of the workmen employed at the said mine, shall be at liberty to attend and examine any witness, either in person or by his counsel, solicitor, or agent, subject nevertheless to the order of the coroner.
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Every person who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be guilty of any offence against this Act.
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