THE MINING INDUSTRY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19671, 13 December 1933, Page 6

THE MINING INDUSTRY

POINTS FOR THE MINISTER'S CONSIDERATION. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, December 12. Speaking on the Mines Statement, in the House to-day Mr P. C. Webb (Lab. Buffer). suggested that a duty be placed on crude oil imported into New Zealand. He understood that 40,000.000 gallons a year were imported equivalent to 250.000 tons of coal. He also suggested that a duty be placed on imported coal, contending that the mining industry was entitled to the same protection as was afforded other products of the Dominion. He referred to the big decrease in the number of miners engaged at the present time, and said that at Millerton. where about 400 were employed a few years ago there were now only 30 or 40. Those who were employed were receiving less than relief workers. He considered that in order to put the industry on a sound basis it would be advisable to socialise or nationalise it. and he advocated the appointment of a Royal Commission to report on this matter. Mr Webb admitted that if the industry were placed on a sound basis many mines would be closed up especially those producing sulphurous coal, but that would be better than keeping many men in comparative Idleness. Mr W. A. Bodkin (C. Central Otagoi advocated the development of the gold mining Industry. Mr j. O'Brien (Lab.. Westland* said that the repayment of the Unemployment Board’s subsidy was Inflicting hardship on many gold miners wuo were not winning much gold. The payments amounted to 10 per cent of ail the gold won. and after making that payment men were often practically penniless. Mr O'Brien also advocate t stricter supervision of mining company prospectuses. The Hon. C. E. Macmillan said tha> he would give consideration to all the points raised.