MINING LAW.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1923, Page 3

MINING LAW.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. [BY TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Kept. 18. Air Peter O’Rourke, the secretary of the New Zealand Miners’ Federation, and Air P. -I. O'Regan, waited upon the Hon G. J. Anderson, the Afinistcr of Alines and Labour, to-day. for the purpose of discussing with him the various amendments desired by the Miners’ Federation in the existing mining legislation. and in the Workers’ Compensation Act. Air O'Rourke stated that at a conference of the miners’ representatives, resolutions Were adopted affirming the desirability of amending the existing law on the following lines: Coal Mines Act: (1) That the Government inspectors supply the unions oil request, with a copy of their repents; (2) that all the workers employed half a mile, or more, underground, be conveyed to their working places; (8) that, as a precautionary measure against accidents, telephone connections be installed in all mines; (I) that all travelling roads have dimensions of Ogt. bin. by Oft. bin. : (01 that only hand-brakes be allowed on inclines, where there are more than one person in running jigs; (7) that a better lighting system is required in the coal mines and it is desirable that the law bo amended accordingly; (8) that all working places he provided with oil-safety

lamps for examination purposes. 'I lie .Minister, in reply, said that he might say at once that lie would not adopt the proposal that the Government inspectors supply the unions, on request with a copy of their reports. Air O’Regan. continuing, stated that in relation to the Alining Act, the miners’ conference had resolved that it was desirable that the provision with regal’d to temperature should he amended. with a view to providing the same working -temperature for each island, namely 50 degrees wet bulb. As to the miners’ phthisis. Air O'Rourke stated the conference held that it was desirable that tunnel and quarry workers who were afflicted with pneumoconiosis (miners’ phthisis), should receive the same benefits as the minors who have heroine afflicted with the disease. The conference, he said, had also resolved that flic following amendments to the AVorkers Compensation A< t were desirable: (II That the compensation for loss of an eye should he 75 per cent, of the full compensation, instead of 50 per cent., as at present; (2) that the .compensation be payable weekly, and. if not paid, the employer t:» be liable to a penalty of 10 per cent. ; (3) that the onus of fiaiding light work impartially disabled workers be placed on the employer, instead of on the worker. as at present ; and if such work lie

not permanent, further coinpensation to lie payable; (I) that- the following be included ni the list of ereupationnl diseases: Nystagmus, partial loss of sight, partial deafness, and cyanide rash. M r O’Began addres-ed ,i lie M inister at length on the matte; s relating to compensation. The .Minister said he would take into consideration the representations made to him by Air O'lUiurke. He would obtain the- best advice possible in regard to the same. AVitli respect to the diseases brought on by the ocrupitions, it seemed to him this opened up the bigger question of invalidity pensions. Pile Government had hoped to he able to do something in that direction, but had been up against the difficulty of finance. So far tfiev fird not Teen able to do anything. That particular request would have to stand over until sueli time as the country could stand the expense involved. I’ersoinlly fie was of opinion that tile matter would have to l-e dealt with on a contributory basis.