ELECTRIC LAMPS IN MINES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17526, 1 May 1925, Page 12

ELECTRIC LAMPS IN MINES.

(Special to the k ‘ Star.”) INVERCARGILL, April 30. Speaking at the opening of the Oliui railway to-day the Hon G. J. Anderson, Minister of Mines, said the recent innovation on the \\ est Coast, that of working mines on the co-operative prin- ' ciple, was a beneficial one, and although the miners at present were opposed to it he was sure that they would soon accept it. It was fair system turn for his labour and also gave the employer a fair return for his coal. He was satisfied that when the scheme was adopted it would stop the importation of a large amount of coal. The system was based upon co-operation ami had the common-sense public behind it. as well as the common-sense miners.. Referring to the question of safety in mines the Minister said that human life was placed before everything else and' the Inspector of Mines was instructed. no matter if both employer and employee objected, to sec that everything was safe. In a gassv field miners should use nothing else hut safety lamps, and the safest lamp was electric. Aline owners would have to face the position and instal electric lights, as the cost of running them was nothing when compared with the loss of a single life. The sooner electric lights were installed the better. A miner; Why don’t you make them compulsory. Mr Anderson : \\ e are going to make them compulsory. There is a Bill rumon the stocks which I hope will he passed next session, making electric lamps compulsory.