I.—4a

1929. NEW ZEALAND.

GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COMMITTEE (REPORT ON PETITION OF INANGAHUA GOLD-AND COAL-MINERS' UNION, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE). (Mr. G. C. BLACK, Chairman.) (MINER'S PHTHISIS PENSIONS.)

Report brought up 6th November, 1929, and, together with Minutes of Evidence, ordered to be printed.

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 2nd Day of August, 1929. Ordered, "That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to whom shall be referred all matters relating to mining and all Bills relating to mining ; with power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Black, Mr. Bodkin, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Hawke, Mr. H. E. Holland, Mr. Martin, Mr. Munns, Mr. Samuel, the Hon. Mr. Veitch, and Mr. Waite." — (Hon. Mr. Taverner, for the Hon. Mr. Veitch.)

REPORT ON THE PETITION OF THE INANGAHUA MINERS' UNION, OP REEFTON. Praying for Compassionate Allowance in lieu of Miner's Pension for W. Mitchell, and for Amendment of the Miner's Phthisis Pension Law. I am directed to report that the Goldfields and Mines Committee has heard evidence on and carefully considered the above-mentioned petition, and recommend that it be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. The Committee are of opinion that the existing miner's phthisis pension of thirty-five shillings per week in the case of a married man or a widower with children under fourteen years of age, and of twenty-five shillings per week in the case of an unmarried man, is inadequate, and recommends that it be increased. The Committee further recommends to the Government that the existing legislation be reviewed to provide for the removal of the anomalies disclosed in the evidence tendered in support of the above-mentioned petition. The Committee also recommends that the Government investigate the question of annual X-ray examination with a view to further safeguarding the health and lives of those engaged in the mining industry in New Zealand. The minutes of evidence taken on the above-mentioned petition are attached hereto. Geo. C. Black, 6th November, 1929. Chairman.

I—l. 4A.