MUCH CAN BE DONE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12393, 12 March 1926, Page 7

MUCH CAN BE DONE

COAL COMMISSION ON IMPROVEMENT OF INDUSTRY NATIONALISATION UNWORKABLE “LARGE CHARGES ARE NECESSARY AND LARGE PROGRESS iS POSSIBLE” Radical alterations in the conduct of the coal-mining industry are suggested in the report of the C .al Commission. The commissioners disagree with the owners’ proposal to lengthen hours and reduce wag es, and also reject, as unworkable, the employees’ proposal for nationalisation. They are confident that much car be done; great progress can be made. Greater co-operation between the owners and the miners, they say, is imperative, and in the report are a number of schemes for bringing about greater pro duction, greater efficiency in distribution, and better conditions for the men engaged in the industry, and a better understanding between employers and employed.

UNREST NOT POLITICAL (Received March 10, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, March 10. The report of the Coal Commission , is unanimous. It says: ‘‘The change in the fortunes, of the coal-mining industry is the result of powerful economic forces which cannot be attributed to political unrest. There has been restriction in the output among the miners on the one hand and inefficiency in management on the other hand. At the same time we cannot agree with the mine-ownerß that little can he done to improve the organ- ! isation of industry and that the only ■ practicable course is to lengthen the ! hours and lower the wages. “In our view large changes are necessary in other directions and large progress is possible. Immediate measures are indispensable to deal with the immediate position. The problem is twofold and has a permanent aspect as well as a temporary aspect.” NO CLEAR SOCIAL GAIN The report details the defects of the industry and rejects the -Miners’ Federation proposal to' nationalise the mines as unworkable and not offering a clear social gain. "We perceive therein grave economic dangers and find ■ no advantages obtainable in other ways. We therefore contemplate a continuance of the industry under private enterprise, but make a number of proposals for reorganisation.” After detailing these; the report concludes referring to the nation’s grave anxiety last summer when confronted with the possibility of an industrial conflict on an unprecedented scale. It says that the way to prosperity lies along three chief lines of advance, namely, the greater application of science to the winning and using of coal, larger units for production and distribution, and fuller partnership between employers and employed. “In all three respects progress must come mainly from within the industry. The State can help materially, firstly, by substantial payments in the aid of research; secondly, by removing the obstacles to amalgamation under the existing leases; thirdly, as the owner of minerals by determining the conditions of new leases; and fourthly, by legislation for the establishment of pit committees and profit sharing and other wavs. Th" future depends primarily on leaders!: 7 -, and the general level of opinon among the mine-owners and miners. We are firmly convinced that if the present difficulties are wisely handled, the

mining industry with the aid of science will certainly recover and even surpass its former prosperity. PURCHASES BY THE STATE Under recommendations and reorganisations, the report says. "The past error in allowing the ownership of coal to fall into private hands should be retrieved. The mineral should he acquired by the State by purchase where it has a market value by the declaration of State ownership. Ik the case or unproved or deep level coal, which at present has no market value, safeguards, should be adopted

against excessive compensation claims. A qoal commission should be appointed under the authority of the Secretary for Mines to acquire and administer the mineral property. The amalgamation of many present small units in the production is both desirable and practicable, but any general measure for compulsory amalgamation would be mischievous. Each case should be treated individually. The State as a mineral owner would be able to promote desirable amalgamations when granting or requesting lenses. “The closer connection of mining with the allied industries, not merely electrical, should he promoted. The development of electrical supply under the new Government proposals should be closely co-ordinated with the generation of electricity at the mines. The heat, power and lighting requirements of the country should he under the OOPstant and comprehensive survey of a body formed for the purpose. We propose the establishment of a national fuel and power committee with advisory powers, composed of representatives nominated by the Government from officials and other bodies concerned. “The existing provision for research should be largely extended by the industry with the support of- the State. It is urgently necessary to find new methods of winning and utilising coal. Great national advantages would ensue if the processes of low temperature carbonisation were perfected, particularly through the production of stokeless fuel and the provision of large supplies of mineral oil. The State should financially support further experiments.” BENEFITS NOT REALISED Under the headirtg of distribution the Commissioners say: ‘‘The industry has failed to realise the benefits of cooperation, and the large financial advantages derivable from the formation of co-operative selling agencies, "which are specially needed for the export trade. The Government should consider the establishment of an official system for sampling the analysis of coal with a view to encouraging the selling on specification and creating a guarantee in both home and foreign markets. . ‘ ‘Local authorities should be- empow ered to engage in the retail sale of ooal. We propose measures , for larger mineral wagons on the railways, and greater concentration in the ownership of these wagons. A standing joint committee of the Ministry for Transport from the Mines Department

should be formed to promote these measures. “Changes are necessary in the relations between employers and employed. These are of fundamental importance, and amendments are needed in the methods of ascertaining the proceeds of the industry for the fixing of the wages standard. The length of the working day now averages 7{ hours underground, and this should, he altered. The optional redistribution of hours within the present weekly total over a week ot five days instead of six should he considered. The multiple shift system should be extended, and joint pit committees should be generally established. The methods of payment of the men not employed nt the face Bhould be revised in order to give them a direct interest in the output. The introduction of a family allowance system is desirable. PROFIT-SHARING "Pooling schemes should be adopted to prevent married men . with families being prejudiced in obtaining employment. Profit sharing schemes should bo generally adopted,, node obligator

by statute. Proper provision for the houses of workers should be a condition of the lease of all new collieries. The general establishment of pithead baths is necessary. This should he undertaken by the existing Miners’ Welfare Fnnd„which should be increased by a substantial contribution from the royalties. Annual holidays with pay should be established when prosperity returns to the industry. “A period <rf months is necessary to bring into effect any of these measures of reorganisation, and years are necessary to bring all into full operation. Wo express no opinion as to whether the grant of a subsidy of last July was unavoidable, but think its continuance is indefensible. The subsidy should cease at the end of its authorised term,and should never be repeated.” NO REDUCTION OF WAGES After rejecting the mine owners’ proposal to increase the hours and reel uoe the wages, and .largely diminish the railway ratea by lowering the wages of the railwayman, the report points out that the Miners’ Federation abstained from suggesting a means of meeting the immediate situation. Therefore the duty devolved on the commission to formulate proposals. “The revision of the minimum percentage addition to the standard rates of wages fixed in 1924, during a time of temporary prosperity, is indispensable to save the industry from an impending disaster. The lowest paid men must be safeguarded bv a continuance of the system of subsistence allowance. Should the reductions we contemplate leave tho mine owners without adequate profits, tho miners may prefer some extension of hours with leas reduction of wages. Parliament will doubtless authorise it, hut we trust, however, that this will not occur. “Considerable variation in the rates of wages in several districts is bound to continue, but we are strongly of the opinion that the national wage agreements should continue, and recommend that tin' representatives of employers and employed should meet.” "Familiar in their mouths ae house hold words.”—Anon. In the last 59 years thousands of New Zealanders have sung the praises of Baxter’s Lung Preserver, the ONE dependable and sure antidote for all coughs, colds, and influenza. A dose or two of "Baxter’s” gives short shrift to summer maladies and ensures gratifying relief always. “Baxter’s” is a rich and penetrative specific and can be relied upon to root out the most stubborn cold. Also possesses reliable tonic nropertiee. Gener-ons-sized bottle for 2s 6d. All chemists and stores.—Advt. ' '