Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1944. SAFETY IN MINES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 September 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1944. SAFETY IN MINES.

jJjESPITE regulations and provisions

to make New Zealand coal mines among the safest in the world, there is still a regrettable number of tragedies and accidents, supporting those who claim that mining is inevitably dangerous and constant vigilance is essential. Major disasters, fortunately, are rare in the Dominion, and when these occur, rescue and other material, combined with the commendable desire on the part of miners to assist their comrades, helps to lessen the tragic toll. However, the fact that even in the best regulated mines accidents will happen, emphasises the duty of all concerned to avoid unnecessary risks, and the miners cannot be blamed for taking strong action if they think that their lives and limbs are endangered by something that should be easily remedied.

Wallsend mine has been idle of late, just at a time when the nation needs all the coal it can get, and when considerable inconvenience and loss is being endured all over the country. Public opinion is rightly incensed by some stoppages which appear to be caused without due reason, but if the Wallsend miners’ claim is wellfounded, that their safety is at stake, there will be more sympathy than criticism forthcoming from the people. Letters recently published in the “Star,” from Mr. R. Scott, secretary of the Brunnerton Mine-Workers’ Union, gave details of what the miners consider to be defective apparatus, mainly connected with the cage and shaft. Wallsend is a shaft mine, with depth of about 540 feet. No expert knowledge is required to imagine what the miners’ feelings would be if they lost confidence in the safe working of the cage, either when journeying in it, or when in the depths of the earth awaiting return to the surface. There is no desire to institute a scare, or to exaggerate the possibilities, but enough has been written by Mr. Scott to suggest that something needs remedying, and that soon. Mr. Webb, or some leading official of the Department, should display active interest in the Wallsend situation.

Incidentally, it is often inferred that the miners have difficulty in getting adequate publicity for their side of a dispute. If there is anything in their grievance, the fault is their own, because few union officials help the newspapers in thjs respect. Indeed, at least one union has a resolution on its books forbidding information being given to the Press. Snubs and rebuffs are often the lot of the reporters seeking a union version of a stoppage of work, whether miners, watersiders, or others, and as a consequence the other side, which is usually more approachable, seems to monopolise the publicity. The “Star’s” columns are always open for union authoritative statements, and it is not through want of endeavour that these are not obtainable. It is, of course, common justice that both parties to a dispute should be heard. What can be done, however, when one refuses to give any evidence?