REDUCED IMPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 15

REDUCED IMPORTS.

COAL FOR GAS MAKING. * INCREASED LOCAL PRODUCTION , . (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The production by New Zealand coal mines of additional quantities of coal suitable for gaij-making purpoees as a result of reductions to be made in coal importations from overseas wae the important question discussed at a, conference in Wellington to-day of coal mine owners and miners. The conference was called by the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, who presided over a representative gathering of about 30 delegates from all parts of the Dominion.

In an interview at the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Webb said he was confident that the country could look fdfward to a greater degree of cooperation than had hitherto exietert in the mining industry. As a result of the import restrictions probably 50,000 lees tons of coal would be imported from overseas a year. The major portion of this coal would be required for gasmaking purposes, and it behoved the industry to face up to the question of supplying euitable coal for that purpose. Coal-owner* representing bituminous mines agreed that they could guarantee to produee the extra coal required, and they hoped the quality would be quite satisfactory to the gas companies affected.

Mr. Webb eaid that both parties unanimouely agreed to do their best to avoid stoppages and hold-ups through misunderstanding* and pin-pricking at the mines. Both sides recognised that any dispute arising; ehould be referred to a committee set lip to deal with such disputee. , . , The question of safety and victimisation came under a separate category, but he could not conceive of any company adopting tactics of victimieation, knowing that it was diametrically opposed to the whole policy of the Government. The question of safety wae one that the men had every right to consider as something outside of agreements.