THE BLACKBALL MINE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6487, 6 April 1908, Page 5

THE BLACKBALL MINE.

(To the Editor "N.Z. Times.") Sir, —In tho Groymouth “Evening Star 55 of the Ist inst., there appeared a report showing that the Hon. Jas. McGowan, Minister of ,Mhies, had been approached by a representative of the “New Zealand Times” regarding the ventilation of the Blackball mine. Hon. McGowan terms Mr Trennent, inspector of mines on the West Coast, “one of the most experienced miners, 55 am says his opinion in regard to the Blackball mine was quite different from Mr Hickeys. He also produced a report, stating that the inspector had visited the mine in company with Mr Hall, miners 5 inspector, a fortnight before the present trouble commenced. He states that on that occasion h© found . the ventilation highly efficient. This, sir, is contrary to facts, ac Mr Hall never went round the Blackball mine in company with Mr Tennent a fortnight before the present trouble commenced. Mr Hall went round the mine with the inspector a week after the dispute began, when the mine was idle. We would like tho Minister to furnish us with the report of that visit. I might also tell the Minister of Mines that about a month before the present trouble commenced a letter was sent to Mr Tennent asking him to oome and examine the Blackball colliery. No reply was received. About threewceks after Mr Tennent was seen on his way to Reefton to attend the Board of Exarriters, and it was decided by the onion to wire him immediately as the miners were complaining strongly about the ventilation of the places they were compelled to work in. Mr Tennent arrived two days after. It was decided by the union that the check inspectors should go in company with Mr Tennent. On he Ijeing informed of this at the mine he stated that ho was going around that afternoon, it being then about midday. The check inspectors being at work in the mine, and not being notified of his visit, oould not go around with him, so he went in company with tho manager. I may also state that when Mr Tennent arrived at the mine that day hr asked the secretary of the union what was wrong, his answer being insufficient ventilation- Mr Tennent then sat “You miners are too well off. I lock upon this mine as the model colliery of the West Coast, 55 I might tell the Minister of Mines also that it is not the quantity of air going into the mine we are complaining of, but we want to have the specified amount according to the Act conducted to the working face, and il is on these grounds we have strong reason' to complain. If the Minister considers the inspector of mines is doing his duty, why all this complaint? And, furthermore, inquiries from other unions prove that wo are not the only complainants, as we discover Mr Tennent has been reported before and no notice taken. —I am etc., W. ROGERS, Secretary Blackball Miners 5 Union. Blackball, April 2nd.