THE MINERS' CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12679, 26 October 1909, Page 4

THE MINERS' CONFERENCE.

[United Pbess Association.] Wellington, Oct. 25. A deputation from the Miners' Conference waited on. the Pi'intc- Mmr ister to-day in support of the (resolutions carried at the recent Confer- ' enco. It was stated that tho manors were thankful to the Cabinet for taking the stand it did last year on the question of medical examinationof workmen, and said that no doubt the action was (responsible in preventing one of tho greatest revolutions the country had evor known. Sir Joseph Ward, in ireply, said he was glad' that those connected with the industry appreciated the action of the- Gove-rnm ent. Oiie of the most important questions- raised by the deputation had reference , to the ventilation of mines. He thought that the suggestion that a Royal Commission, be set up was a good one, and the GovoramKMit would favourably consider the proposal. He did not think the Government would be. justified in continuing the systeiii of giving a guarantee to back the State Inisur-ance Department in covering risks against- miners' disease®, as it was intended to bring dowiii an amendment to the Ast which would mean, the -striking out of the clause relating to .that disease, and it also would abolish tlie system of medical examination in case of all miners ovea* 16 years of age.