MINES ACT

Evening Star, Issue 24005, 2 October 1941, Page 10

MINES ACT

MINOR AMENDMENTS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 1. 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 to-night. 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 Coal Mines Act. The appointment of an electrical inspector or mines is provided for in the Bill. He is to inspect electrical apparatus used in 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 by the Bill. Another clause sets out provisions in connection with the subdivision of business site and residence site licenses. The 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or holidays in or about any mine or battery shall be paid at the rate of one and a-half times his ordinary wage is repealed.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 alteration to the main Act relates to compensation in case of accidents. The Bill repeals the subsection providing that the amount of compensation with costs of recovery shall constitute a charge on the mine and mining plant. Another clatise states that a warden’s court is to have no jurisdiction to hear or determine any action claiming damages or compensation in respect Of death or injury; There are .also provisions included for the levy and collection of additional money from the licensees of dredging claims