INCREASED OUTPUT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 271, 15 November 1943, Page 4

INCREASED OUTPUT

COAL FOR DOMINION

SEARCH FOR NEW SUPPLIES

(P.A.)

WELLINGTON, Sunday

The Dominion output of coal for the ten months ended October 31 amounted to 2,336,524 tons, an increase of 113,709 tons compared with with the same period last year, according to a statement to-night by the Minister of Mines, Mr. Webb North Island production had increased by 95.311 tons, and in the South Island the output was 31 083 tons higher, but production on the West Coast was 15,685 tons lower than last year's, due mainly to mining difficulties in certain mines and bad bar conditions at the river ports of Greymouth and Westport. , ''T he output of the controlled Waikato mines during the first year of control showed an increase of 96.555 tons, or 13 per cent, or; allowing 43,000 tons for loss of output during the strike period, a net increase in production of 53.555 tons °mJ p * er - cen . V ' Mr - Webb continued. , Ihe Mines Department is conducting an intensive survey of areas suitable for stripping and working by opencast methods. The first block near Glen Afton, estimated to contain 60.000 tons of coal, will be commenced immediately. Other likely areas in the North Island are being examined."

Referring to the present situation regarding coal supplies for householders, Mr. Webb said it was realised that the quantity available was inadequate. This was directly due to the iailurc of normal deliveries from Australia and the imperative need to conserve stocks for essential industries. It was expected, however, that additional supplies for domestic users would be made available in the near future.