MINERS' GRIEVANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1919, Page 4

MINERS' GRIEVANCES.

B4D HOUSING AND SANITATION.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. VVellington, Last Night.

A deputation from representatives of tiic Miners' Unions waited on Sir James Alien tind Hon U, W. Rusesll to-day, and complained of the lack of an efficient water supply, the drainage arrangements, and the puor housing in mining villages. It was suggested that good work could not be got from men while living under such conditions. Complaint was alos made regarding the lack of proper medical officers in the mining settlements. Sir James Allen said he was in entire sympathy with the men in respect to the complaints regarding bad sanitation, and he promised that inquiry would be made into tlie matters complained of. The Hon. G. W. Russell said the question of sanitation at Blackball had been under the consideration of the Health Department for the past five years. Aproposal for a water supply and drainage system for Blackball was submitted to a ballot of ratepayers, but was defeated by vested interests. The chief sanitary inspector on the West Coast had been ordered to visit the district, and when his report was received, if circumstances justified it, the Government would be prepared to use its legal powers and require the provision of a water supply and drainage without a ballot of ratepayers. In regard to the shortage of doctors he was considering a scheme by which the doctors in thege districts should be supportel by levy on the output of the mines, and possibly on the minors' wages, to provide a fund which would enable, resident medical men to be looted in mining districts when released from war service.