COAL MINES COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 95, 1 May 1901, Page 2

COAL MINES COMMISSION.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. At the sitting of the Coal Mines Commission to-day, the engineer of the Bublic Works Department was examined in regard to the fire at the Westport Cardiff mine. He did not think that much time was lost in getting to work to subdue the fire, nor did he believe much of a commercial character had been iost. P. J. O’Regan, formerly member for Buller, saifi the Goyerrjment had already committed itself to the opening up of a State coal mine, which he had wished to urge on -?he Commission. He had for years believed Government could work in that industry with great advantage, as the railways for instance took about 125,000 tons per year. Private enterprise, he thought, had failed in the coal mine industry. It frequently happened that a private company required concessions from the Government, and if the Government was in the position of a company no question of those conditions being given would arise. The price of coal in Jaree cities seemed to be excessive. He believed the system of distribution was at fault, and that Government would adopt better system. West Coast'coal was verysoft, a good deal was lost through the way ip. which it was poured down the shoots of collieries,