QUARTZ DRILLS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1920, Page 2

QUARTZ DRILLS.

THE RBEFTON TROUBLE’. (Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 15. Questions bearing on the introduction of the axial water' feed jock drill in all quartz mines in accordance with legislation passed la-st session, were put to the Minister this afternoon. Mr Parry (Auckland Central) asked - if the Prime Minister would take steps to compel Mining Coys to comply with the law and install drills. He said he had received a telegram from the Seciretary of the Inangahua Union stating that not one water drill wak in operation in the whole field. The Department had not taken proceedings against the Company so the Union would not permit the workers to continue to break the law. Mr Massey said that the companies ; were reminded some tiine v ago tlift these drills were to he installed by the first of the month. Thfe Mines Committee would take evidence on Tuesday to find out whether it was possible for the companies to have done more than they had at present. Mr Holland (Buller) asked the Prime Minister if he would give instructions for mine owners to be prosecuted- in every case where the law had not been complied with. If the employers had taken the opportunity to get the machinery when the Act was passed, they could have had it by now. His informatioHj was that they were frying to get an extension of time. Mr Massey said until evidence had been heard it was not possible to say what should be done.