Welsh Debate

Series

Series Name: Mining Review 1st Year

Issue

Issue No.

Date Released

Oct 1947

Length of issue (in feet)

924

Stories in this Issue:

Story

Story No. within this Issue

4 / 4

Summary

NoS synopsis: This staged debate shows members of the Lodge Committee of the Cwmgrach Empire Colliery discussing issues concerning mining machinery - the main question being whether they’re being effectively used. A certain degree of scepticism is expressed about the widespread attitude that machines offer an instant solution to every mining-related problem, and they resent being told that more mechanised mines in America, Germany or Poland are capable of generating more coal. They are concerned that the human element of mining is being neglected, pointing out that the equipment is only as effective as the man who operates it, and it is unrealistic to expect superhuman output, as contingency time must always be allowed to cover unforeseen events such as breakdowns or roof collapses. As one miner describes, "We’ve been working the guts out of our machines during the war", and there is real concern about the lack of availability of spare parts and intermittent power supplies ("There are days when there’s not enough compressed air coming through to drive a donkey cart"). The meeting concludes with an agreement that modern technology must be accompanied by modern conditions, and that productivity will only be increased through effective teamwork and good man-management. The chairman concludes by saying that he’ll approach the Coal Board for more logistical back-up, but stresses that it’s also important for the Lodge members to come up with their own solutions.

Keywords

Mining

Written sources

The National Archives INF 6 /386
British Film Institute Databases
Viewing Copy - bfi screenonline
Hogenkamp, A. P., unpublished DPhil thesis pxii.
BFI Screenonline synopsis ID No.1223397

Credits:

Production Co.: Crown Film Unit
Camera: Denny Densham
Camera: Fred Gamage
Director: Graham Wallace
Cutter: Jocelyn Jackson
Cutter: John Legard
Producer: John Taylor
Commentator: Maurice Denham
Director: Max Anderson
Sponsor: Ministry of Fuel and Power
Sound: W. H. May
Camera: William Chaston

This series is held by:

Film Archive

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