COAL MINES REGULATION BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1159, 14 February 1874, Page 4

COAL MINES REGULATION BILL.

A large meeting of coal masters and miners took place in the Walton Park School-houae on the 6th inst., for the purpose of discussing the provisions of the Regulation Bill.

Mr Reid, member for the district, was requested by the miners to attend the meeting, and explain the portions of the Bill which appeared against their interests. It will be remembered that the Bill, which was drafted by Mr Reid, was read a second time in last session of the General Assembly, and would have passed, but Mr Reid was desirous before doing so that those interested should have every opportunity of discussing its several provisions. Mr Thomas Howorth was called to the chair.

Mr Reid, who was received with loud applause, stated that he had much pleasure in conforming to the request of the miners in being present at the meeting, and explaining the provisions of a Bill which was much required, not only here, but in other parts of the country. The coal industries were yearly on the increase, and a large capital was invested, and therefore it was highly desirable that a Coal Mines Regulation Bill should be passed without delay. Mr Reid read seriatim all the clauses of tho Bill, iuviting employers and employed to state any objections.

In clause 3. The miners thought that they should have the appointment of the inspector, and would be willing to pay a portion of hia salary. Mr Louden considered masters as well as men should have some say in the appointment. On clause 13, a long discussion took place. Instead of being paid by measurement, as was the case in some parts, the miners imperatively demanded that it should be all by weight. In the Bill, this matter is per agreement between the masters and men. At present, the miners in that locality are paid by weight j but the masters would have it as soon by measurement, as it was a well-known fact that if a ton of coal was loaded on a dry day, it would lose threequarters of a hundred in weight, and consequently, should the weight system be adopted, the masters must give an allowance. Clause 16, "on openings to be provided. Mr Louden objected to the wording of it. As it stood, it would necessitate two sets of machinery, and considered if the second opening was so that men would be taken out with reasonable expedition in the event of an accident to the main shaft, that would meet with all the requirements of the case. Clause 12— " That no wages be paid to any person employed in or about any mine at or within any public house or beer shop," was unanimously agreed to. Reference being made to the truck system, Mr Louden, who is principally concerned, stated that he for one did not wish the Bystem perpetuated. Mr Reid pledged that as long at> he was ! member for the district he would do everything in his power fo promote the mining interests, and would Btrenuously oppose the truck or any other system prejudicial to the interests of the miners. After a cordial vote of thanks being accorded to Mr Reid for his kindness in coming forward and explaining so minutely the provisious of the Bill, the meeting separated with the customary vote of thanks to the chair.

The Echo observes :— " To regulate beforehand that some hundreds of persons shall recite Paters and Ayes and Mysteries and Appeals to the Sacred Heart of Jeaus, while running down in. the express to Nowhaven is, 'if not exactly praying at the corners of the streets,' certainly the next thing to that irreverent and ostentatious praotice which modern manners and. the police will admit,"