MINE RESCUE BRIGADES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 924, 18 March 1930, Page 7

MINE RESCUE BRIGADES

DEPUTATION MEETS MINISTER PROBLEMS OF SAFETY Press Association WELLINGTON, MondaJ\ t have just begun the work of preparing such amendments to the Coalmines Act as it may be necessary to bring before Parliament during the < oming session,” said the Minister of Mines, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, today ro a deputation from the United Miners’ Association. The deputation placed before the Minister a variety of matters of domestic interest and a number of broader questions^ The Minister was asked why he had delayed the holding of the inquiry recommended by the Linton commission into the use rescue brigades In mines. It was contended that the various disasters which had occurred in New Zealand had emphasised the need of organised rescue brigades. Had a brigade been on the spot at the time of the Linton disaster two out of the three men would have been saved. A plea was made for the payment of miners’ wages weekly instead of fortnightly. At present, it was stated, men were living from hand to mouth, and were, under the existing arrangement, prevented from dealing where and when they wanted to. Other points raised related to compensation, the appointment of inspectors, stone-dusting and safety devices. Replying, the Minister said he was In favour of any system which would nfford better facilities for helping miners when colliery disasters occurred, and he would see if he could arrange a conference of representatives of coalmine owners, mine workers and the department to consider the question of rescue brigades. The Minister did not amplify his statement concerning amendments to the Act, beyond informing the deputation that in the drafting of the amending measure consideration would be given the representations they had made.