MINERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1500, 14 August 1880, Page 9

MINERS' UNION.

A general meeting of the Miners' Union took place at Walton Park on the evening of the 6th.

Mr J. Wright (chairman), read a letter received from Mr Binns, mining inspector, refusing to attend a meeting of the miners, though respectfully requested to do so. The correspondence relating to Shag Point contained in the Inspector's report having been read, The Chairman said it was manifest the Inspector was not the man for the position. Any day some of them might be launched into eternity with the usual verdict of accidental death. One accident after another took place through gross carelessness on the part of inspectors and managers, and no remedy could be obtained under the Mining Act, which was little better than a pieco of waste paper. Then, he asked, if this Mining Act gave power to the Inspector, why did he not put it in force ? This report on Shag Point was simply a disgrace. The Inspector, if he knew anything, ought to know that the outlet for the vitiated air hi that mine was only two feet, and that the mine was unfit for man to live it ; yet when men fell down exhausted after coming into the fresh air, if they complained they were immediately dismissed. Mr A. Harris said directors and managers cared little for men's lives so long as they made money. He knew of men who got " the sack" because they complained of foul air. He then proposed— " That this meeting considers, in the present circumstances, the Shag Point coal-mine is totally unfit for men to work in, and that the Minister of Mines be earnestly and respectfully requested to close it altogether." The motion was seconded by Mr J. .Nichol, and carried.

' The Chairman said that in the Inspector's report ! they would see that during the year there were six men injured and two fatal accidents. The case which called for particular attention was that of John Broadfoot, who was killed in the Brunnerrnine through want of proper care on the part of the owners, and whose widow and family were left destitute. A subscription-list was sent the round of the mines, and contributions made, which were not sufficient. Many thought it was a case for the Kaitangata Eelief Fund. It was resolved that the matter be favourably recommended to the Kaitangata Eelief Committee's consideration. The Secretary intimated that he received letters, from different mining centres, from miners approving

of and desirous of joining the Union, which intimation was received with applause. , „„..„„ After discussing- several other matters in connection with the Union 1 , the meeting separated with the customary vote of thctiifes to the Chairman.