704 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 307

once every week, to examine carefully, read and countersign
in ink all reports entered in the mine record book by the
mine foreman; and if he, finds on such examination or other-
wise that the law is being violated in any particular, to stop
such violation immediately; and every such operator shall re-
quire the superintendent or other managing official in charge
of such mine, and all other officials in whatever capacity, to
comply with the provisions of this Act, and especially not to
obstruct the mine foreman or other officials in the fulfillment
of their respective duties. It shall be the duty of the operator,
by a representative other than the mine foreman, to visit every
working place in each such mine once every sixty days, and
to note the condition of such working place.

SEC. 60. Every such operator shall assist the Bureau and
its officers in making any proper inspection or investigation,
and shall promptly execute every proper order made under
the provisions of this Act; and whenever any such operator
shall wilfully neglect or refuse to obey any such order, or shall
interfere with or hinder such Bureau or any of its inspectors
or agents in the proper discharge of their duties, such willful
neglect, refusal,, interference or hindrance shall constitute a
misdemeanor.

CHAPTER VIII—Mine Foremen and Assistants.

SEC. 61. In order to secure efficient management and proper
ventilation of the mines, to promote the health and safety of
the persons employed therein, and to protect and preserve the
property connected therewith, the operator of any coal mine
in this State shall employ a competent and practical mine
foreman for every mine where ten or more persons are em-
ployed, who shall have charge of such mine under the super-
vision and control of such operator. If such mine is gaseous,
such mine foreman must possess a first-class mine foreman's
certificate of competency, or a service certificate of equal grade.
If the mine is not gaseous, such mine foreman must possess
either a first-class or a second-class certificate of competency
or a service certificate of equal grade.

SEC. 62. Whenever the mine workings become so extensive
that the mine foreman is unable personally to discharge his
duties, the operator shall employ a sufficient number of com-
petent persons as assistants, who shall have like qualifications
with the mine foreman; provided, that whenever any exigency
arises whereby it is impossible for any operator to secure the