THE COAL PROBLEM
Sta,—Whereas much publicity is given to the incidence of absenteeism in the pits (although the rate is admitted to be no higher than for most basic industries), we rarely hear of examples of mismanagement. Nine months ago I "opted" for coal mining, and during most of that period I have been employed underground in what is reputed to be one of the most modern pits in the Manchester area. In that time, I am assured, many thousands of tubs of coal (approximately II cwts. per tub) have been lost because of " slow winding." Now " slow. winding" is due, in this case, to low steam pressure resulting from the use of poor grade coal in the' colliery boilers. The remedy would appear to be simple, yet the management continue to adopt what, in my present limited state of specialised knowledge, seems•to be a penny wise and "tons" foolish policy. Another example. Some weeks ago a coal-face "finished," and the colliers were transferred to another' district, but their head man, tra- ditionally appointed by themselves, was directed elsewhere. At this the men, rightly or wrongly, objected, and the other colliers in the pit joined them in sympathy in a strike which lasted one day, during which the management gave way, but as a result of which close on i,000 tons of coal were lost. Surely with more thoughtful management this loss could have been avoided.
May I say how much I enjoyed Mr. J. L. Hodson's article. Like him, I am bewildered by the immensity of the problem and, in common with "Bevin Boy," shocked by the primitive conditions obtaining underground. I wonder of it is generally realised that sanitary conditions are almost non-existent, that ho drinking water is provided below the surface for workers, although this must be available, under the Coal Mines Act, for pit ponies, and that in a shift of 71 hours 25 minutes only are allowed in which to eat (with really dirty hands) whatever sandwiches can be brought from home and which have to be made from the same butter/margarine ration enjoyed by other members of the community most of whom, I would say, have canteen facilities available.
These observations may serve to confirm that the coal mining industry this country is in need of really drastic overhaul and.that it is scratching the problem to harp on absenteeism and to rail at the men for increased
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