REEFTON NOTES.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 61, 10 May 1912, Page 10

REEFTON NOTES.

Widow-makers—Wet Places—Warning to Miners. Some sis months ago a new boring machine was introduced into the mines of this field. Tho mine managers call it the Waugh machine, but to the miner it is more generally known as the "widow-maker." This machine will only bore "uppers," and creates an unusual amount of dust and grit, which necessitates the' constant use of a water-spray whilst the drill is working. Six months ago the mine owners were overjoyed at the introduction of the new implement, and with one vovco declared that by its use two men were now equal to six. Rut a change has como o'er the scene, a fly has dropped into tho ointment pot. They discovered that tho "widow-mak-er" is operated by one man in tho deadly silver mines of Mexico, and also in the mines of the phthisis-stricken Rand, so an attempt was niado to introduce? tho system of a one-man machine at Blackwater, and tbe attempt was accompanied by tho liberal 01100- of 7s. per week advance on agreement rates to anyone undertaking the work. This offer of increased wages has been duly note], and may be handy by-and-bye. At this stage, however, tho Union took a hand in tho proceedings, and members collectively decided that it was impossible for one man to run tho machine and use a spray at one and tho same time; that tho 2 )r oposition was loaded with phthisis, and opposed to their health, safety and welfare. The "widow-makers" aro still working, and —incidentally, so is tho man with the spray. Much argument and bickering has taken place of lato at Blackwater Vk?tween tho mine management and the Union in connection with wot places. The company has been insisting (after a pla.co bad boon declared wet) on men working eight hours, their practice \rO~ ing to pay a shift for tho first six hours and onforced overtime for tho remaining two houi"-. The Union took the matter before the Arbitration Court sitting in Grey mouth on April 22, and tho Court decided in favor of the Union, with witnesses' expenses allowed. At the same sitting tho Union held tho towel in 1). Jones's corner in his fight to obtain compensation for an injury to the back sustained by him in the Globe mine in September, 1911- The Federation attorney was in attendance. Tho injury was proved and full compensation awarded. The sloping by coniir.ci question has not yet benm settled, and miners should communicato with tho Fiiion oflico before coming to this field. An invitation has been extended to Alderman Hartley to include Roeftnn in bis West Coast tour, and that veteran's visit is being; eagerly looked forward to.—M, FAGAN, Secretary Inar.gnhua Miners' Union.