NOT CONTENTIOUS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 6, 2 October 1941, Page 9

NOT CONTENTIOUS

Mining Amendment Bill MOSTLY MACHINERY An assurance that no very contentious matters were involved was given by the Minister of Mines, Mr. Webb, when the Mining Amendment Bill was introduced in the House by GovernorGeneral’s message. The Bill was read a second time pro forma and referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. Mr. Webb explained that most of the clauses were of a machinery nature. The Bill embodied certain amendments to bring the principal Act into line with the Coalmines Act.

The appointment of an electrical inspector of mines is provided for. He is to inspect electrical apparatus used iu mining, and is to have certain powers granted to" inspectors of mines. The employment of youths under 16 years of age on mining dredges is forbidden. Another clause sets out provisions in connexion with the subdivision of business-site and residencesite licences. A section of the principal Act, which stipulates that every workman employed on Sundays or holidays in or about any mine or battery shall be paid at the rate of one and a half times his ordinary wage, is repealed. This was explained aS being due to difficulties in framing some awards. Another alter-i-

tion to the main Act relates to compensation in case of accidents. The Bill repeals a subsection providing that the amount of compensation, with costs of recovery, shall be a charge on the mine and mining plant where the person concerned was employed. There is a more advantageous method under the Workers’ Compensation Act. A clause states that the Warden’s Court is to have no jurisdiction to hear or determine any action claiming damages or compensation in respect of death or injury. It is also stipulated that mineral licences may be protected in certain instances. There are provisions included for the levy and collection of additional money from licensees of dredging claims.