Sec. 964. [=Persons not employes of a mine.=] Persons not employes of a mine, except those permitted by law, shall not enter such mine or go upon the property connected therewith, unless consent of the owner, lessee or agent has been secured, and then only when accompanied by a guide furnished by such owner, lessee or agent. This, however, shall not prohibit persons seeking employment at such mine, or the duly authorized representatives of the employes, from entering upon the property as may be necessary to make such application to the proper authority or to transact business, provided such persons do not enter the mine until given permission to do so, and do not stand on the tracks, go near the machinery, or other place of danger. (Penalty, Sec. 976.) =GENERAL PROVISIONS.= Sec. 965. [=Qualifications of miner.=] Each person desiring to work by himself at mining or loading, shall first produce satisfactory evidence, in writing, to the mine-foreman of the mine in which he is employed, or to be employed, that he has worked at least nine months with, under the direction of, or as a practical miner; provided, however, if the mine in which such person is to be employed generates explosive gas, or fire-damp, he shall have worked not less than twelve months with, under the direction of, or as a practical miner. Except as hereinafter provided, until a person has so satisfied the mine-foreman of his competency, he shall not work, or be permitted to work at mining or loading unless accompanied by a competent miner.