THE COAL INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1919, Page 5

THE COAL INDUSTRY.

CENTRAL CONTROL NIEDED, / NATIONALISATION RECOMMBNIA&v|

The Industries Commission, in their report, say that it is vain to suggest half-measures iu dealing with the qoMv tion of coal supply. The successful-' working of our coal measures.is vital to. the whole people. The failure of supply has led to deprivation and discomfort in the home, the crippling of industry, and the paralysis of one of the greatest of our public services. While agreeing with many of the conclusions of too Board of Trade, the committee's opinion is that the .Board's recommendation do not go far enough. To endeavor to work the mines under tho joint management of the present owners (whose interests are to be almost wholly absorbed), in conjunction with the workers and a representative of the Ci\ .. n, will not adequately solve the problem. Further, the Board, while agreeing that some form of nationalisation is urgentlyftneeded, do' not recommend the entire elimination of private ownership, and that is the com-. miltcc's principal objection to the report. Then, although 'there are ample supplies of coal in sight for present needs, speaking broadly, the Dominion's proved coal resources are somewhat limited. This view is held by the director of geological survey, who gave evidence before the committee. ' It was further stated by another reliable witness that over a big proportion of one important mine 75 per vent, of the available coal is wasted owing to its not being workable at a profit. It is therefore certain that large quantities of coal are. now lost, and that by central control much of this loss could be prevented, and this end, in the committee's opinion, can only be attained by complete nationalisation of Uie coal measures.

Respecting miners' homes, the conditions under which miners and their families live have contributed largely to general dissatisfaction and the fostering of the spirit of unrest, and it is hoped' by the committee that an end will speedily be made of this cause of dissatisfaction by providing reasonable housing accommodation at or near the various mining centres.

To remedy the evils and danger, to preserve the Dominion's industries, and to secure in the immediate future the means for developmental activities, it Is recommended by the committee: (1) That the. coal measures of the Dominion be and .that privatoly<owned mines and measures be purchased by the State at valuation. (2) That a board of management and distribution under (Ministerial authority bo established, on which the workers qngaged in the industry shall be represented. (9) That there be set on foot at once a scheme which shall result in the comfortable housing of the miners and other workers concerned.

(4) That a superannuation scheme on similar lines to that in operation in the railway service ferm part of the general 'scheme. '

(5) That the State should own and control the necessary shipping for til* carriage of coal.