MINERS' COMPLAINT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9344, 13 January 1909, Page 5

MINERS' COMPLAINT.

Per Press Association. Wellington, January 13. The Prime Minister has received a telegram from Mr Free, of Reefton, with reference to the mining trouble, which states that, however incomprehensible it may seem, none of the mine owners knew that miners’ complaint was a subject of legislation until the Act became law. Had the mine-owners been aware of the true position, very strong reasons could have been given against the inclusion of fpneumoconiosis in the “Bill. "If we are,;denied the right to examine our men,” saysthe telegram, “and pneumoconiosis remains in section 10, we are ruined. We are advised that our present action is lawful, whereas if we accept the present proposal to effect insurance and resume work, should Parliament refuse to give us relief, our hands would be tied.” , . .. The Prime Minister replied that it was a matter of regret that the mine owners did not give some attention to a Bill which they knew must affect them. The Bill was, not passed hastily, and the fullest opportunity was objections. He could not say precisely what legislation would be introduced, butit was proposed to give mine-owners .a full opportunity of stating objections when Parliament meets. If it could be shown that the inclusion of pneumoconiosis would ruin the industry, as alleged, the Act must be brought into line with the Imperial Act. If, upon inquiry, it was found that all that was needed was protection against bogus claims, then section 10 would be amended to protect mine owners. The Premier desired to bring about an amicable settlement, and relied on assistance from each side. Meantime, the Government gives protection until Parliament has time to deal with the matter.