Sec. 970. [=Checkweighman for miners.=] The miners employed at a mine where the earnings of such miners depend upon the weight of coal mined, may, at their own cost, designate or appoint a competent person as checkweighman, who, at all proper times, shall have full right of access to and examination of the scales, machinery or apparatus used at such mine to determine the correct weight of coal mined, and whose duty shall be to see the coal weighed and to make a correct record of such weights.  Not more than one person, however, on behalf of the miners collectively shall have such right at the same time.

[=Checkweighman for landowners.=] The landowners, or other persons interested in the rental or royalty at such mine, may, at their own cost, designate or appoint a competent person to act as checkweighman for them, who shall have the same rights as the checkweighman for the miners.  Not more than one person, however, on behalf of the landowners, or other persons interested in the rental or royalty, jointly, shall have such right at the same time.  Checkweighmen shall not interfere with the use of or tamper with such scales, machinery or apparatus, nor make any false entry of any weight, or in any manner exceed the duties prescribed herein.

[=Check-measurer.=] The miners employed at a mine where the earnings of such miners depend upon measurements, may, at their own cost, designate or employ, not more than one of their number as check-measurer to accompany each mine-foreman or other person making the measurements and see them make such measurements, and make a correct record of same.  Each mine-foreman or other person making measurements may have a helper, but such helper shall not be regarded as a person making measurements.  The person or persons designated as check-measurer shall not in any manner interfere with or interrupt the work of the mine-foreman, or other person, while making such measurements. (Penalty, Sec. 976.)

Sec. 971. [=Crossing public highway.=] Any person, firm or corporation now or hereafter owning any land containing mineral, coal, stone or clay, and over any portion of which shall pass any state, county or township road or public highway, shall have the right and are hereby authorized to drill, excavate, mine or quarry through or under any such road; provided, however, that when any excavation is to be made in such manner that the top or highest level of such excavation will be extended within thirty feet vertical distance of such road, then and in that case before said work shall be commenced, such person, firm or corporation shall execute and deliver to the board of county commissioners in case of state or county roads, or to the township trustee in case of township roads, a bond, with good and sufficient surety in such amounts as shall be considered by said commission or trustees sufficient to cover any damages that may accrue by reason of excavating, mining or quarrying through or under any such road, the same to be approved