Mining Notes.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2074, 3 February 1898, Page 2

Mining Notes.

Regarding the question of Sunday labour in batteries to which considerable attention has been directed of late, an important suggestion has been put forward by-: Mr A. P. Griffiths, general manager and engineer of the Waihi-Silverton Company, and this will be placed under the consideration of the Minister of Mines, who is to be waited upon by a deputation of the representatives of English mining companies, who also intend bringing other mafters of importance before the hon gentleman. Interviewed by a Herald reporter, Mr Griffiths saidl-may say at the outset that I agree with the principle that every man should have a respite from his labours on Sunday, and consequently I approve of the spirit of the Bill, at the same time am' strongly of opinion that the Act has overshot the mark in the stringency of the instructions which have evidently been given to inspectors. Several gentlemen connected with the mining industry have expressed their views through your columns, but one important point appears to have been generally overlooked. I believe that without in any way amending the measure the. cessation of labour on Sunday could be so arranged that the effect of this serious interference with mining companies would be minimised, and the men allowed to have a day’s rest on Sunday. This could be done by allowing batteries to work up to eight o’clock on Sunday morning when crushing would c«ase for twelve hours, the battery resuming work at eight o’clock on Sunday nights. This would give to the three shifts of men employed their full Sunday, and would not seriously interfere with the battery working, and would do away with the necessity of discharging a seventh of the hands employed. Thus, in a month’s run the battery would only oeasa crushing operations for two days, the men would have their Sunday off, and the company could effeofc necessary repairs to the machinery during the stoppage.’ As stated, this suggestion will be laid before the Minister of Mines, and it is hoped that the Hon Mr Cadman will give favourable consideration to the proposal. y