AUSTRALIAN MINES.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17984, 1 April 1930, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN MINES.

REPORT OF COMMISSION. NEW BOARD SUGGESTED. i FIXING PRICE OF GOAL. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel.—Copyright. SYDNEY, March 31. The Royal Commission which inquired into the coal industry last year has furnished its report to the Premier of New South Wales, Mr T. R. Bavin. The commission recommends that there should be a more ready method of settling disputes than now exists, preferably by means of a board, to consist of three persons equipped with extensive powers and having security of tenure in order to enable them to develop and give effect lo a definite policy. The suggestion is that Hie board be paid for out of a fund from levies on all coal raised. The hoard, it- is recommended, should have power to fix Hie selling price of coal, also the miners’ rates of pay and hours. If possible Hie board should institute schemes of prosperity-sharing and also act as a conciliation or arbitration tribunal. It should have power io appoint committees to hear and determine disputes, impose lines and decide what mines, if any, should be closed. It is also suggested that tiic hoard should he empowered to license employees in Hie coal industry and withdraw licenses for any just cause; and that, should a strike or lock-out occur, it should declare who is responsible and what measures should be adopted for Hie engagement of fresh labour.

LATER

FIXATION OF COAL PRICES. DRASTIC REFORM IMPERATIVE. NATIONAL EFFICIENCY AFFECTED. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. —Copyright. (Received April 1, 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 1. Upon Ihc question of Ihe fixation of coal prices the commission pointed out that a drastic reform in this direction was imperative, owing lo Hic increasing desire by the public to protect their own interests. The high price of coal and the disturbed conditions in this industry were interfering with national efficiency, and it was necessary that the Government should assume suitable means of control. The new objective must be not merely Lo eliminate over-capacity and over-manning, but also stimulate the market by lowering costs. One step in this direction would be effected by reducing the ratio between the earnings of the more highly-paid employees and those paid on daily rates, and by making the wages of all mineworkers conform more closely lo those of workers of the same degree of skill in oilier industries. NO SIGNS OF WEAKENING. STATEMENT BY MINERS 7i' 7 7. OWNERS BECOMING IMPATIENT. (Received April 1, 9.25 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 1. The coal miners’ convention has issued a statement that there are no signs of tiic miners weakening, hut mass meetings are being held next week to ascertain whether Hie rank and file are prepared lo return to work at the November compromise terms. The mine owners nave dropped a hint that they are not likely to tolerate much more dallying by the miners’ officials. A conference is being held in Sydney on Wednesday between the enginedrivers' officials an dthc mine owners concerning Hie rates of pay for a complete resumption at all the northern collieries.