STATE COAL MINES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 300, 19 September 1928, Page 10

STATE COAL MINES

SHORT TIME WORKED A question concerning the working of short time at the State coal mines on the West Coast was raised by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. H. E. Holland) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr.'Holland asked if the Government would set up a commission of inquiry in regard to the matter. He said he had received a telegram from the State Miners’ Union secretary stating that last week the mines had worked only one day. In 1927 the number of working days averaged only seven or eight a fortnight, while to September 7 of this year the average worked was only seven days per fortnight. The Minister of Mines (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) replied that he had not had time in which to make extensive inquiries, but he would do so. The State mines were in very little different a position than any other large mine. There was a difficulty in getting orders, and there had been a difficulty with shipping. That had had an effect upon the regular working of the mines. As soon as he could get detailed information he would supply it.