THE SOUTH WALES COLLIERIES ' [To the Editor of TILE SPECTATOR.]
8111,7---The difficulty of collecting evidence about the conditions in the South Wales collieries is considerable. Like Mr. Gilkes, I, too, came away, after a week's visit, convinced that the Worst feature of the whole matter was the .extreme bitterness and ill-feeling on both sides. This admittedly makes the evidence' seem onersided. It is very difficult to collect evidence
from the coal-owning and managing class, as so few of them live in the district.
There is 'no doubt that 'the' miners are convinced that the owners are determined to extort the maximum of labour for the minimum of wage: They are also convinced that safety precautions are being neglected in order to pay dividends, and that H.M. inspectors of mines have to give twenty-four hours' notice before a visit. I had the authority of members of a Borough Council 'for this. Can anyone produce definite evid- ence to the contrary ? And tell us how often an inspector visits any one pit ?
I might perhaps be permitted to add, that the best way of understanding what wages a miner deserves is to go beloW ground and see the conditions in which lie works. My party and I did this ; it somewhat alters one's views of what constitutes a fair reward for labour.—Yours faithfully, Clifton College. Wn.Pron H. OLDAKER.
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