THE COAL FRONT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 205, 31 August 1943, Page 5

THE COAL FRONT

IMPORTANT SERVICE Rugby, Aug. 27. A nation-wide campaign to attract men to the coal-mining industry is about to be launched by the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Fuel. Men from 18 upwards will in future be able to opt for the pits when they register for service. This will be regarded by the Government as being as important as going into the Army, th? Navy, or the Air Force. It is hoped that men from the universities and public schools of all classes will respond with alacrity to the appeal for more coal. Men opting for the pits will receive six weeks’ training on the surface before going underground for further training in charge of skilled men. The coal industry is regarded as a key point of the war effort. The Government has done more in the last twelve months for this industry than had been done for 50 years. Among the improvements is a guaranteed weekly wage, improved transport, the introduction of mechanisation in increasing measure, an improved wage structure for adults and juveniles, training facilities for youths, and more canteens, health services, and rehabilitation centres.—B.O.W.