COALMINING LAWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 65, 18 March 1930, Page 9

COALMINING LAWS.

SAFETY OF THE MINERS. MINISTER URGED TO ACT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON,. Monday. "I have just begun the work of pre-, paring such, amendments to the Coalmines Act a- it .nay be necessary to ! ling before Parliament during the coming session," said the Minister of Mines, the Hon. W. A. Veiteh, to-day to a deputation from the United Miners' Association. The deputation placed before the Minister a variety of matters of domestic interest and a number of broader questions.

The Minister was asked why he had delayed the holding of the inquiry recommended by the Linton commission into the use of rescue brigades in mines. It was contended that the various disasters which had occurred in New Zealand had emphasised the need of organised rescue brigades. Hatfca brigade been on the spot at the time of the Linton disaster two out of the three men would have been saved.

A plea was made for the payment of miners' wages weekly instead of fortnightly. At present, it was stated, men were living from hand to mouth, and were, under the existing arrangement, prevented from dealing where and when they wanted to. Other points raised related to compensation, the appointment of inspectors, stone-dusting and safetv devices.

Replying, the Minister said he was in favour of anv svstem which would afford bofter facilities for helping' miners j when colliery disasters occurred, and he | would see if lie could arrange a conference of representatives of coalmine owners, mine workers and the Department to consider the question of rescue brigades. The Minister did not amplify his statement concerning amendments to the -Act", beyond informing the deputation that in the dra-ftinr of the amendjnsr m entire consideration would b« Tiven the representations they had made.