THE GOVERNMENT'^ PROPOSAL

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 30

THE GOVERNMENT'^ PROPOSAL

( FINANCIAL RISK ACCEPTED. EXAMINATION" NOT NECESSARY. WELLINGTON, January 8. The trouble over the medical examination of the miners in consequence of aa alteration in the law making mineowners liable to compensation when an employee becomes disabled through pneumoconiosis within twelve months of contracting the disease will in all probability be promptly ended, for the Cabinet, after further considering the matter yesterday, decided that the Government would take the financial risk involved in issuing insurance policies v.ith'out medical examination. The Prime Minister accordingly telegraphed to the president of the NeV Zealand Miners' Federation us follows: — R. Semple, Esq., Reefton. In further reference to my wire of yesterday that the Government will legislate early next session with a view of removing the present difficulties, and making the act workable pending Parliament dealing with the matter, the Government will indemnify the Cfovernment Insurance Department against loss for policies covering pneumoconiosis under section 10, and will authorise the department to issue policies without medical examination or declaration as to health. In taking the course, the Government relies with confidence on the honour of the miners that Hone but bona fidia claims will be mads. As I have to leave Wellington to-night, I ehoqld be glad to have an early reply.- — J. G. Wabd.