GOLDMINING LAWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24085, 2 October 1941, Page 5

GOLDMINING LAWS

AMENDING MEASURE NO BOYS ON DREDGES ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CS.R.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Ail assurance that no very content tious matters were involved was given; by the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, when the Mining Amendment! Bill was introduced in the Hotisa of Representatives by Governor-Gen-eral's message to-night. The bill was read a second time pro forma and referred to the Gokltields and Mines Com-, mittee. -Mr. Webb explained that most o£ the clauses were of a machinery nature. The hi 11 embodied certain amendments to bring the principal Act into lina with the Coalmines Act. The appointment of an electrical inspector of. 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. Sunday and Holiday Pay The employment of youths under 16 on mining dredges is forbidden by the bill. Another clause sets out provisions in connection with the subdivision of business site and residence site licences. A 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or holidays in or about any mine or battery shall be paid at the rate of one and a-half time 3 his ordinary wage is repealed. This was explained as being due to difficulties ia framing some awards. Power for Warden's Court Another alteration to the main A'efc relates to compensation in case of accidents. The bill repeals a sub-section providing that the amount of compensation with of recovery shall constitute a. charge on the mine and mining plant where the person concerned was employed. There is a. mora advantageous method under tha Workers' Compensation Act. A clause states that the Warden's Court is to have no jurisdiction to hear or determine any action claiming damages or compensation in respect of death or injury. It I.s also stipulated that mineral licences may he protected in certain instances. There are also provisions included for the levy and collection of additional money from licensees of dredging claims.