THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2398, 13 January 1909, Page 5

THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

MINE OWNERS’ CONFERENCE AT AUCKLAND. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 12. At a conference of coal mine owners and directors it was decided that nothing could be done in regard to the acceptance of the Premier’s proposals until official information had been obtained as to how the State Accident Department would) take tlie risks, together with the rates to lie charged. The mines will not start until this information has been obtained. It was resolved to despatch a telegram to the Premier, stating that the position was unchanged, and suggesting that the Government arrange and agree to terms with tho Government Insurance Department and submit the same to the various companies interested. Tlie telegram concluded: "The position is serious v lb requires prompt action; otherwise serious loss will fall on the men and companies, besides loss and inconvenience to the public.” SECTION j.O— A LEGAL OPINION. WELLINGTON, Jan. 12. Mr. C. P. Skerrett, K.C.; has given an opinion regarding the mining trouble. Mr. Skerrett says: Section 10 of the Workers’ Compensation Act is extremely difficult to construe. To entitle the worker to compensation under the section he must be able to establish that ho contracted the disease within 12 months previous to the date of disablement. It is difficult to see how either mine owners or insurance companies can possibly dispense with the periodical examination of miners under the law as at present framed. Mine owners are only liable if the disease is contracted within 12 months previous to the dato of disablement, and only continue to be liable if death or incapacity occurs within 12 months after the worker ceases to be employed by the employer. Without medical examination it is plainly impossible to tell when the disease has been contracted, and it is therefore essential for the employers and insurance companies to have a periodical examination of tho workers for the purpose of ascertaining whether tho disease was contracted within 12 months of the disability. So .long, therefore, as the law remains in its present condition, it seems to mo impossible to dispense witli a periodical examination of the men. Directly the Government insurance policies expire the position will be exactly the same as it is to-day. Tlie same question will arise. The same precautions will be yiecessary, except, of course, so far as they may be affected by legislation* the nature of which it is impossible to predict.

MINE-OWNERS’ TELEGRAM TOTHE PREMIER,

WELLINGTON, Jan. 12

The Prime Minister has received a telegram from Mr. Free, in reference to the mining trouble, which states: ‘ However incomprehensible it may seem, few mine owners were aware that the so-called miners’ complaint was the subject of legislation until tho Act became law. Had the mine owners been aware of the true position, very strong . reasons could have been given against the inclusion *of pneumoconiosis in the Bill. If we are denied the right to examine our men, 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, out hands would be tied.” Silt JOSEPH 'WARD’S REPLY. The Prime Minister replied that it was a matter of extreme regret that the mine owners did not give some attention to the Bill, which they knew must affect them. The Bill was not passed hastily. The fullest opportunity was given for objections. He could not sav precisely what legislation would lie introduced. He proposed to give mine owners a full opportunity of stating their objections when Parliament meets. If it -was shown that the inclusion of pneumoconiosis would ruin the industry as alleged, the Act must he 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 will he amended to protect the mine owners from such claims by requiring methods of proof, which would limit the liabilities to the genuine cases intended to be covered by the provisions of clause 10. The Premier desired to bring about an amicable settlement, and relied on assistance from each side. In the meantime the Government would fin'd protection until Parliament had time to deal "with the matter. THE POSITION IN OTAGO. DUNEDIN, Jan. 12. The coal mine owners and employees. of Otago are marking time, and appear content to await developments at other places. The Mine Owners’ Association postponed their adjourned conference indefinitely, and decided to watch operations without taking action which might precipitate a worst trouble than that now experieneeO. It appears almost certain that the men would refuse to submit to medical examination unless the Federation’s executive issue instructions to the contrary. . The

workers at present, arc very discontented.

LATEST FROM .REEFTON

REEFTON, Jan. 12. Nothing important transpired today. Employers and miners are simply waiting till tho insurance regulations are published, though a number of men are leaving to seek work at Dunolie or Grey. The married men are still here. Feeling in favor of a settlement is growing. ' The hope is indulged in tlnit miueowners and miners combined may draft a Bill suitable to both parties, and thus bring an unsatisfactory state of affairs to a close.

Mr. Free, attorney for the mineowners, has telegraphed further to Sir Joseph Ward, but the 'substance of his message lias not been divulged. iMeamvhle there is no change in the position.The Globe mine is. only undergoing refitting of tho engines. The Keep-it-Dark is still being baled; After crushing a special jiarcel of stone the Globe battery has finished. The smaller mines are willing to take the men under the insurance regulations, but cannot till they conic.

Respecting ventures, they aro entirely squashed. All interest in mining is .absent. This is a pity, as ventures promised better. Golden Arch has plenty of good stone in sight. It only wants an oil engine to he fitted with the parts just to hand. Ulster with JOO tons. in sight has its manager prospecting. •Several private parties are prospecting on the ip own. The majority of the men.have nothing to do. Work in other directions is quiet. The County Council slackened hands at Christmas and nd-work is available.