Mining Deputation

Hastings Standard, Volume X, Issue 5304, 17 September 1906, Page 3

Mining Deputation

Wellington, September 17 The deputation from the Trades and Labour Council at Westport waited on the Minister for Mines urging an amendment of the mining laws. They asked that the bank to bank clause be made universal; that the sick and accident fund be consolidated and converted to the national fund for the whole state ; that the deputy or shift bosses be compelled to pass au examination in gases; that old workings should not be sealed up, as gases accumulated; that no rock or drilling machine be permitt&d unless continually sprayed with water to keep down dust; that no batteries work on Sunday, and where Sunday work is permitted to be paid for at double rates ; that royalty be imposed on gold for the benefit of the miners' sick fund. They pointed out that a royalty of threepence per ounce would produce £BOO annually. Mr McGowan promised to consider what alterations the Government would be justified in making in the law, but he must hear both sides. If there was Sunday crushing that was a matter for the police. Personally, he saw no necessity for working overtime.