The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1926. BRITISH COAL REPORT.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16749, 16 March 1926, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1926. BRITISH COAL REPORT.

The report of the Coal Commission is a document of very great importance. The Commissioners declare that neither ttic mine-owners nor the men have advanced any workable proposals for the improvement of the industry, and they have not shrunk from putting forward definite proposals of their own. Some of these are similar to the recommendations of Mr Lloyd George's committee, but others are new. The Commissioners begin by pointing out that the condition of the industry is due to economic causes of very great weight, and is not due to political unrest or restriction of output on the part of the men or to inefficiency on Ihe part of the owners. This docs not mean that no improvements can be made, and they point out what they consider desirable. The first and most important step is the acquisition by the State of all mineral rights. This will involve compensation to all owners of mining royalties which, however, will not be a difficult matter as the Slate will itself collect the royalty. It will, however, make it possible lo bring about amalgamation of interests where it is desirable to do so. The Commissioners would leave it open to mine-owners to arrange their amalgamations among themselves. The Commissioners will not hear of nationalisation, which they say involves grave economic dangers, and presents no advantages that could not be obtained in other ways. They consider that the Stale should help by encouraging scientific research; by controlling the terms of fresh leases, and by legislation for the establishment of pit commiLtees and profitsharing. They stress the necessity of co-operation between the owners and the men, which is wanted everywhere, but cannot be obtained merely by pointipg out the urgency of the requirement. To bring it about depends on personal qualities on both sides. The Commissioners arc emphatic in their objection to the continuation of the subsidy. They say that they express no opinion as to whether it was unavoidable, but its continuance would be indefensible. They reject the proposal to lengthen the working day, but think that ttic week’s work might be divided amongst five days instead of six. They reject also any proposal to reduce railway rates by rpducing railwayman's wages. They say, however, that there must bo a revision of miners’ wages, which were fixed in 1924 at a time of temporary prosperity. The wages of the lowest paid men would bo protected by a subsistence allowance. The Commissioners are of opinion that economies could be effected in distribution, and recommend that co-operative selling agencies be formed. They recommend also that local bodies should undertake the sale of coal, which may be desirable at Home but certainly would not lead to any economy here. The report is a bold and comprehensive statement. It is not likely (o please cilher Ihe owners or, Ihc men. It proposes a cut in Ihc men’s wages but leaves the owners without any profits whatever unlit trade improves, and there are no signs of that. Coalmining is a depressed industry in every country, and though the Commissioners say they look forward In ils flourishing again in the, future il is hard lo believe, I hat it can exist on Ihe same, scale as in Hie last century. Tlie amalgamation they eonteniplate, would mean Hie closing of many small mines, and the Government are warned that arrangements must, he made lo transfer the men to other occupations. Various proposals are made lo improve conditions for Ihe men. All new leases should provide ,

for proper housing accommodation; pit-head baths should be available for the men; annual holidays with pay should be given when prosperity returns to the Industry.' The Commissioners do not anticipate that all their recommendations can be carried out at once; Indeed it is obvious that many of them depend upon the granting of new leases, or upon amalgamation of adjoining properties. These cannot he carried out at once, and there is likely to be a period of discontent for both sides. Tho report, however, will probably settle the question of the subsidy which can scarcely be continued. There will he hitler opposition lo any cut in wages, but without a subsidy it is inevitable that it must take place. It is to bo hoped that the men will accept the situation without a strike, which would do them no good, but would greatly injure Ihe country. We have pointed out more than once that there is a social question as important as Ihe economic question. The numbers employed In the industry must be reduced. It. is far from easy t.o devise other employment for a man who has learned the business of mining and is too old to learn another. Steps should be taken to provide other avenues of employment for the growing youths. To allow them all to take up mining would be cruel, yet in many places there is no other opening available, unless private agencies or the State undertake to find them other employment. It is curious to note that an exhaustive report on a great industry compiled by men who have no personal interest therein, should recommend the formation of combines. The faith in competition is a thing of the past. The economics possible when business is conducted on a great scale are too striking lo be overlooked. Combines may contain a danger lo the Stale which will develop later. At the present stage they form one step in the process which is to restore prosperity to a great industry.