MR O'REGAN'S VIEW.

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

MR O'REGAN'S VIEW.

REEFTOX, January 8. Tli-e telegram t«nt to Mr Sample l;y tlie Pi ime MiiiUter was aUo sent to Mr P J. O'keoan. In reply, Mv O'E-egan stated that when the tetegiam was received lie yeas <srl a, journey to ■Wellington, but lie had come

back to Reefton in consequence. He sta.b&d -that be would *=*» if anything could be done. The limitation of the proposed examinations for pneumoconiosis simplified matters considerably, but the difficulty was enhanced by the fact that an indemnity had been asked against every bodily defect in the terms ot section 17. His duty was to poinL out to the Government that this meant that every man who was not perfectly sound would have to choose between losing his employment and surrendering the right to compensation. This meant that many men who could claim even tinder the old act were barred, and every class of labour (not miners alone) was involved. This fact was nob yet appreciated either by the pre&s or the public outside, otherv.i&e thay would have seen before now a general outbreak of opposition from all ciseses of organised labour. The Prime Ministers telegram contained no reference to the case of coal mineis. No matter what the Accident Insurance Department might say to the contrary, he (Mr O Hegan) maintained that it was absurd t-o examine them fea- pneumoconiosis. Tkis wf.-s a matter of minor importance here, bat obviously it was impoitant elsewhere. Mr O'Rcgan retimed here to-night, end Mr Semple is expected to arrive also.