THE HUNTLY COMMISSION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 227, 29 October 1914, Page 5

THE HUNTLY COMMISSION.

AN OVERWORKED STENOGRAPHER. DELAY IN THE EEPOET. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON,' October 28. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr G. "W. Russell asked the Minister for Mines when the report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the Huntly mine disaster was to be laid before the-House. He stated that he had previously referred to the extraordinary action of the Commission in closing down for two weeks before recommencing its enquiry. He thought that some indication should be given that Parliament expected the report to be brought down in time for discussion before the House rose. The Commission ought to be made to understand that the House viewed with very- grave dissatisfaction the action of that body in delaying its report in the manner it had done by closing down its enquiry for nearly two weeks between the time when it finished taking evidence at Huntly, and the period when it picked up its further enquiries in "Wellington. He wanted the assurance of the Minister for Mines that the report would be sent to the House—not merely to the Governor —so that Parliament could consider what responsibility there was attaching to the mine owners, or to the Government Department, or the Government itself in connection with the administration of the coal mines of this country. He would . like to hear whether the Government proposed to put the Coal Mines Bill on the statute book this session. The Hon. W. Fraser stated that the Bill would be submitted this session, and he saw no reason why it should not pass unless members on the Opposition side wanted to prevent it. Mr Russell: You may be sure we don't want to prevent it. MINISTER HAS NO POWER. Mr Fraser: With regard to this Commission, beyond fixing the persons who were to constitute it, I have had nothing to do with it. This is a Royal Commission appointed by the Governor. Does j the hon. gentleman suggest that I can order that Commission to bring its report down at any time? Mr L. M. Isitt: You can suggest that! they speed up. Mr Fraser: I want that report as much as anyone. Delay has occurred because the official reporter had to take a fortnight to transcribe his notes. Mr Russell: That was bad management, at anjy rate. Mr Fraser: I had nothing to do with that. That was a matter entirely for the Commission. One of the best stenographers and typists was obtained. When he came down and wanted assistance, I told him to get all the possible assistance he could. More than that, I communicated with the chairman of the Commission, and expressed a hope that lie would be able to have the report ready at as early a date as possible. His reply was that he was coming down on ! Monday of last week, and the report would be ready on Thursday or Friday. I have no right to go to members of the Commission and worry them. It would be a most improper thing to approach the Commission and give orders. I cannot do it, and I am not going to do it. We have been at work on the Bill, and it will be brought forward tomorrow. The sooner it becomes law the better. No doubt hon. members are looking forward to launching accusations against the Government. Absolutely scandalous statements have been made about the Government with regard to this unfortunate accident. Mr T. M. Wiiford said that he had heard of no scandalous statements. He had material backed up by oath, and would make a statement on this matter when the proper time came. He had searched "Hansard" from 1 912, and he knew the reason of this Bill not being brought forward up to the present. With regard to the delay with the Commission's report, au. able

stenographer had been engaged, and ; it was not his fault that it was a physical impossibility for one reporter to cope with the work, for he had to take notes from nine in the morning till sometimes nine at night, and the Commission sat for eight days. After taking notes he was engaged in typing until two in the