SHORTAGE OF STATE COAL

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21244, 16 August 1934, Page 12

SHORTAGE OF STATE COAL

j .MINISTER DKXIKS A REPORT i ' i [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 13. A recent, report in the Christchurch and Greymouth newspapers to the effect that the Stale Coal Depot in Christchurch had no Liverpool Statu mine coal in stock, and that none was expected for three or four days, was denied by the Minister for Mines, the lion. C. K Macrniilan, in replying to a question by Mr i». C. Webb (Lab., Duller; in the Kousj of Representatives to-day. "ft is a fact that owing to a combination ol circumstances, the repetition of which steps are being taken to avoid, the State Coat Depot at Christchurch was without, a supply of Liverpool household coal for two days, but the report which appeared in Greymouth and Christchurch papers that the depot did not expect any Liverpool State mine coal for three or four <days is definitely denied," said the Minister. Thtt market, for Liverpool household coal in Christchurch is extremely limited, and, therefore, large quantities are not stored. At the time of the occurrence, however, more than 1000 tons of James household coal was in stock. The Liverpool mine worked three days during the week referred to, and produced 2237 tons of coal. It is obvious that the odd 10 or 12 tons of Liverpool screened coal, which represents two days' requirements of the Christchurch depot, would not have enabled the mine to work further time that week. "In the present depressed state of the coal market, it is not considered that the acquisition of colliers to convey State coal to various ports of discharge would appreciably increase the time worked at the State collieries," said the Minister, in reply to a further question by Mr Webb. Mr Webb had asked him if he would consider the advisability of purchasing suitable colliers to convey State coal to its destination, in view of short time worked at the collieries.