MORE MINERS NEEDED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 21, 20 October 1943, Page 4

MORE MINERS NEEDED

Position In Waikato Dojunion Special Service. AUCKLAND, October 19. Concern over the manpower position in the Waikato coalfield was expressed at a meeting of the Waikato Coal Mines Control Board yesterday, stated the Minister of Mines, Mr. Webb, lust night. The board felt that unless more miners and truckers were employed in the mines it was doubtful whether the output of coal could be increased to the extent considered essential. Mr. Webb said representations were blin<- made by the board to the Government stressing the need, for additional labour. It was felt that tho men now iu the mines were turning out tiie maximum possible and nothing would be gained by working them to a condition of industrial fatigue. More coal meant more men in the mines. , The board had also decided to recommend to the Government the erection of another 50 houses in the Huntly West district for occupation by miners, saffi tiie Minister. It was futile to speak of increasing the'mine staffs without providing housing. Already contracts had been'let for the erection of 50 houses in that district and 25 were now under construction. If the board’s recommendation was adopted by the Government the provision of 100 homes would so some distance in relieving the shortage of asconuuodation. In lhe various minins townships near the collieries the coal owners in conjunction with the department had erected <0 new houses. A number of the miners had also been assisted to build their own