Mines Commission.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 23, 11 August 1911, Page 9

Mines Commission.

tin Motion at Last I The Mines Commission began its sittings on Thursday of last week, Mr. J. S. Evans, S.M., and Warden, Nelson, presiding. Other members of the commission are: —Messrs. N. I): Cochrane (Duncdin, mining engineer), J. DoAvgray (Granity, miner), G. Fletcher mine manager), H. |S. Molineaux (Bare.AA'ood, mine manager)!, W. E. Parry, Waihi, miner), and F. Reed (Wellington, Inspecting Engineer of Mines). The commission is directed to enquire and report as to the preA'entioii of accidents hi mines, ventilation in mines, underground sanitation of mines change and bathhouses fcr miners, and more particularly as to (a) what steps could be taken for the better pre-A-ention of accidents, particularly those from the use and firing of explosiA'es, falls from roof and side, also accidents in .shafts'and from machinery, and whether any improvement can. be made in the present system of investigation and enquiry into accidents; (b) Avhether uny, and if so what, steps should be taken to lay doAvn an improA-ed standard of ventilation in mines; (c) what steps should be taken to guard a-gainst the disease knoAvn as miners' phthsis; (d) Avhether any, and if so Avhat, fresh legislation is necessary to giA-e effect to' the recommendation of the commission? Mr. F. Reed suggested that, as the Aveather in the extreme south Avas A'cry cold at present and the accommodation hot" first-class, the commission should proceed to the extreme north, and Avork southwards.. •He further suggested that the Government, be asked to place at'-'the disposal of.'the'commission the inspectors of mine's in- A'arious ?centres in'which -the enquiry AVas held, so that they.would be able eventually, if necessary," to put them in the box and obtain their version of the case .. The Chairman suggested that, considering the importance of the commission, it Avas necessary that the press should be present.—This Avas agreed to.

The following,., is from the "Toronto Daily Star" of a recent date: —"In the rotunda of the Rossin House yesterday afternoon three American bands gave an excellent concert programme, and the place was packed .with an enthusiastic audience. At the close of the concert the massed bands played "The Star Spangled Banner"' and instantly every American man and woman in therotunda arose to their feet. The men took off their hats. Then the bands played "God Save the King," but there wasn't a sign of a movement on the part of the Canadians present, nor were the hats doffed. Queer, wasn't . it? Canadians are evidently becoming more democratic and the Yankees more.demonstrative.