Aug. 5.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2727

203. Without in any way affecting any of the specific provisions hereinbefore contained, it is hereby declared as follows:—

(a.) It shall be the duty of the Inspector generally to see that the provisions of the Act are complied with, and from time to time to visit and inspect mines and all machinery used therein other than steam-engines and boilers; and, for the purpose of enabling him to more effectively perform his duties and functions under this Act, he shall have all the powers of an Inspector of Machinery under “The Inspection of Machinery Act, 1908,” and that Act shall be construed accordingly.

(b.) In the performance of his duties and functions under this Act the Inspector, or any person appointed by him in writing, shall at all convenient times have full and free access to any such mine or machinery, and may use all convenient means and appliances belonging thereto or connected therewith; and it shall be the duty of the owner of such mine or machinery, and all persons in any way employed in or about the same, to afford such assistance as is reasonably required for facilitating such inspection.

(c.) Every person commits an offence who refuses to permit the use of such means and appliances, or to render such assistance, or who obstructs the Inspector or the person so appointed by him as aforesaid in making any such visit or inspection.

(d.) All costs incurred by the Inspector, or which may be awarded against him in any proceedings under this Act, shall be charged upon and be paid out of the goldfields revenue receivable in the district in which the subject-matter of the proceedings is situate or arises, to whomsoever such revenue may be payable; and in no case shall the Inspector be personally liable for such costs.

The Surface.

204. If required by the Inspector, that part of the drilling-area containing the derricks and engines and boilers shall be fenced. Sufficient gates shall be provided to give free egress for the workmen in case of emergency, and no timber or inflammable material shall be used in the construction of fences or gates. Holes, abandoned wells, or other excavations shall be filled up level with the surrounding surface, and, where necessary, shall be protected with a fence 5 ft. high. The boundaries of unfenced well operations shall be marked in a conspicuous manner. Wells which are only stopped temporarily, water-wells, mud, oil, and residue pits shall be adequately protected.

205. No persons other than those actually engaged therein shall come within the enclosed or fenced portion of well operations.

206. A conspicuous notice-board to the above effect shall be continuously exposed at all entrances to enclosed places.

207. Mud and oil from a well shall not be allowed to flow over the surface, but shall be collected in suitably arranged tanks or pits. All tanks or pits for oil, or for mud containing oil, shall be covered with waterproof material and fenced.

208. The boring-area shall always be kept clean. The removing of oil from any tank shall be carried out in such a manner that the spilling of oil over the surface of the ground is prevented. The surface-earth which has been saturated with oil shall be removed or covered with dry earth.

209. Oil or other objectionable matter shall be prevented from running into rivers or streams.

210. Oil from outbursts, or from well operations where outbursts are probable, shall not be retarded by casing-heads, and carried away by ordinary channels, but there shall be constructed near the derrick a pit or pits of adequate capacity for such oil, which shall be conveyed thereto through fire-proof covered trenches, channels, or pipes, to prevent pollution of the surrounding surface.

211. No hot iron, naked light, matches, or other appliance for the production of fire or for smoking shall be taken into the derrick and buildings connected thereto, or into places in which oil is exposed, used, or handled.

212. The use of firearms, the making of open fires, and the stacking of inflammable material shall not be permitted within the fenced area of well operations, building, or enclosed places.

213. No artificial light, other than an electric safety-lamp of type permitted by the Inspector, shall be taken into the buildings where oil is handled, treated, or distilled.

214. There shall be provided and maintained at all productive well operations fire-extinguishing appliances, also shovels, axes, sand, and water, immediately available to extinguish fire.

215. All wells shall be spaced as follows: For wells which are commenced after these regulations come into operation the minimum distance shall be—

(a.) From the boundary of the property, 33 yards;

(b.) From other wells, oil-tanks of a capacity of 2,000 gallons, gasometers, or buildings, 33 yards.

216. The Inspector may, if he considers it advisable, increase the minimum distances aforesaid, and notification of such increase shall be given by the Inspector to the manager. All well operations commenced before this regulation comes into operation, and approved by the Inspector, shall be exempt from this regulation.