The Mines Commission.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 25, 25 August 1911, Page 10

The Mines Commission.

HEARING EVIDENCE.,

The Mines Commi^i6n" : appomte'd : '.to inquire into the ventilation;' Sanitation, and the working of the ctfail and/metalliferous mines of New: ZealandV commenced its sitting in the" Whangarei Courthouse, when evidence dealing with the Hikur-angi and Northern mines was taken. Evidence was given by M. Wallace, secretary Hikurangi Miners' Union; R. C. Cherry, president; Wra. Steel, Frank Little, John Mclntyre, William Morgan J , mine manager), William Dunn (mine manager). Messrs. W. McKinley, president Keripaka Miners'; Union, and James, llolfe, secretary, also gave evidence. The evidence given by tho miners unanimously upheld the contention that the system of conveying air to the working fates was entirely inadequate. They were also in accord with the suggestion that change and bath-houses should be erected at the mine mouth. It was pointed out by witnesses that without change-houses near the mine mouth, men were compelled to walk home, sometimes a distance of two miles, in their wet clothes, thus contracting colds, etc., which meant pre.mature age or even death. Witnesses were also agreed that the sanitary conditions prevailing in the mines were a disgrace and must lead to illness. , During tiie 'hearing of evidence, exception was taken by Messrs. Dowgray and Parry t .■ the mine managers questioning witnesses, and it was decided to discontinue the method. All the witnesses were subjected to a most searching examination by both Messrs. Dowgray and Parry, the workers' representatives on the Commission. After concluding the hearing of evidence in the Whangarei district, the Commission proceeded to the Thames, where it >s sitting as we go to press. The evidence adduced at the Thames is to the effect that the ventilation is inadequate in that locality., Sanitary arrangements are, generally speaking, conspicuous by their absence. The need of the ho irs of labour being reduced "to 6 hours where the temperature; excoeds 75 degrees. During the course of cross-examination witnesses stated that in many instances they have been unable to sleep after working in hot places. Loss of energy always following tho working in these places. Many. witnesses said that : considered. that where more than, five shots had to be fired a battery should be usedxto ensure safety to life. The use of paper or cloth tamping was also condemned. Members of the Commission make a thorough inspection of the various mines before taking evidence that they may be in a position to gauge the local conditions as nearly as possibly.