MINING QUESTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1925, Page 4

MINING QUESTIONS

MINISTKH VISITS WAIHI. AVAIHI, January 10. The HOll. J. G. Anderson. Alinister for Mines, (accompanied by Mr H. Boland, M.P. for Oliinemnri, Air G. C. Godfrey, Seeertary for Mines, and Mr H, Kimbell, Under-Secretary for Mines, arrived at Waihi yesterday afternoon. The Mayor extended a welcome and thanked the Minister and the Government for the assistance that had been given to the mining industry especially in finding employment for men thrown out of work by the closing down of the Grand Junction mine. The Minister was probably aware, be said, that this company was applying for twelve months’ protection, and there was no objection to this: but those engaged in the mining industry would register an objection if further protection was sought. The Mayor also asked that relief to prospectors and amall stiuigg'ling mining .r/inpd:iies should tie given in the matter of survey fees and ground rent charges.

'The Alinister expressed bis thanks ior the welcome, he said that as far as the Grand Junction Company was concerned it would lie a matter tor later consideration. 111 regard to reductions in survey fees and ground rent, these were matters, the Alinister said, that were worthy of consideration. On the question of assistance, Afr Anderson pointed out that there would be some difficulty in distinguishing between small and large companies.

Air E. Dye. president of the Alinors’ Union, asked for a small pension for those partially incapacitated by miners’ phthisis, instead of waiting until the disease had fully developed. Afr AV. Biee, secretary of the union drew the Minister’s attention to the inadequate allowance for funeral expenses in connection with miners’ phtliisi cases, and asked that the amount (CUB now paid should lie increased to £2O. Ho also pointed out that occupational diseases .should lie increased to £2O. He also pointed out that occupational diseases should he investigated. Air Boland pointed out that the law provided for £2O. but this amount was not paid. The Alinister, in reply, said that occupational diseases, such as lead poisoning. cyanide rash, etc., were under investigation. The question of funeral expenses was a matter he would go into with the heads of the department on liis return to AVellington, and tin -deputation could rest assured that J the present allowance was found insufficient. the amount would he increased. T„ the evening the Afinisterial party was entertained by the Mayor and councillors. The party left this morning for 1 Ta manga.