"MINERS' COMPLAINT."

Lake County Press, Issue 2255, 14 January 1909, Page 5

"MINERS' COMPLAINT."

The Government's Proposal. Financial Risk Accepted. Examination Not Necessary. The trouble over the medical examination of the miners in consequence of an alteration in the law making mineowners liable to compensation when an employee becomes disabled through pneumoconiosis within twelve months of contracting the disease will in all probability be promptly ended, for the Cabinet, after further considering the matter on Thursday, decided that tbe Government would take the financial risk involved in issuing iusurance policies without medical examination. The Prime Ministeraccordingly telegraphed to the president of the New Zealand Miner's Federation as follows : E. Semple, Esq., Reefton. In further reference to my wire of yesterday that the Government will legislate early next session with a view of removing the present difficulties, and making the act workable pending Parliament dealing with the matter, the Government will indemnify the Government Insurance Department against loss for policies covering pneumoconiosis under section 10, and will authorise the department to issue policies without medical examination or declaration as to health. In taking the course, the Government relies with confidence on the honor of the miners that none but bona fide claims will be made. As I have to leave Wellington to-night, 1 should be glad to have an early reply.—J. G. Ward. Later news says the situation is unchanged, and the employers are still awaiting information. Nothing definite has yet been agreed upon. .