Excerpt from North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, Vol. 19: Transactions, 1869-70

For the last two years there has been an appendix following each volume, containing an abstract of the patents connected with mining operations. This will be continued in the present volume to 1869. The Secretary proposes to add at the end of this volume diagrams showing the barometrical readings for 1868 - 69, with reference to the fatal acci dents in coal-pits.

It is to be regretted that the Wood Memorial Hall and Institute Chambers are not in a more forward State; the delay has been caused by the substitution of an entirely stone building for one Of brick and stone.

It is with deep concern that the Council have to record the death Of many valuable members during the last year. Mr. John Hedley, who held the responsible office of Inspector of Mines in the Midland Districts from the year 1855 to 1864, was a member of this Institute from 1853 till his death, and contributed much to its success during the earlier years of its formation: he also added a valuable paper on Coal Mining in North Staffordshire to the Transactions. Mr. T. Y. Hall was also one of the earliest members of and most valued contributors to the Institute: eminently practical in his ideas, the coal trade is indebted to him for the introduction of cages and tubs, and for many valuable improvements in the mode of extracting minerals. His bequest of 500 for the foundation of a scholarship connected with mining science Shows how earnest was his desire to assist in the spread of scientific knowledge. The sudden demise of Mr. J. J. Atkinson, Government Inspector of Mines for Durham, has caused a vacancy in the ranks of the mining engineering profession, which it will be difficult to fill. This gentleman was elected in 1853, and contributed very many valuable papers to the Institute. One on the Theory of Ventilation is especially worth alluding to as being a standard of reference upon this subject.

The Council conclude by congratulating the Institute on the con tinned increase in the number of members, which is equal to that of any preceding year.

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