AID FOR MINERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 10

AID FOR MINERS

HON. P. C. WEBB'S PLANS SURVEY OF THE INDUSTRY [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] GREYMOUTH, Thursday The manner in which the Government proposed to study the welfare of men engaged in the mining industry was outlined in a speech at Brunner to-day by the Minister of Mines, Hon. P. C. Webb. With the Minister of Public Works, Hon. It. Sempie, -Mr. Webb is making a comprehensive tour of the West Ccast. Mr. Webb stated that as Minister of Mines it would be his aim to co-operate with those engaged in the mining industry and his first consideration would always lie those who risked their lives in the pit. Since Labour had been in power a committee had been set up to make an extensive survey of the mining industry. The committee would convey its findings to Cabinet, which, in its turn, would convene a caucus to decide upon policy. They would co-operate with the men in the industry and were willing to co-operate with companies, but he wanted the companies to understand that the Government, would always be in sympathy with the men digging the coal. His aim was to improve the recreational facilities in mining townships and he exacted assistance from the companies. He hoped before , his term of office expired to see a seven-hour day established in the mines and that in his lifetime he would like to see a sixhour day. To-day Mr. Webb visited mining areas in the Grey Valley, while Mr. Sempie inspected public works in the vicinity of Greymouth, including tho aerodrome. Both Ministers received numerous deputations and were given enthusiastic welcomes at all places which they visited. So well known are they both in the district where they were first associated with the Now Zealand Labour movement that they are finding it almost impossible to keep their schedule.