COAL STRIKE IN THE WAIKATO

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23739, 10 September 1942, Page 4

COAL STRIKE IN THE WAIKATO

Train Services To Be Curtailed EFFECT IN NORTH ISLAND (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 9. A statement that the cessation of production of coal in the Waikato area, which supplied a substantial proportion of the coal required by the Railways Department in the North Island, has made it imperative in the national interests severely to curtail all train services in the North Island from Monday, was made to-night by-the Minister of Railways (the Hon, R. Semple). This reduction, said the Minister, must be made in order to maintain essential services. Further particulars of these reductions would be announced later. Mr Semple said that the strike among miners in Huntly would seriously affect the railway service, and some very drastic restrictions would have to be imposed, as supplies of New Zealand coal were very limited. The department held reserves of Newcastle coal, and these would have to be used to keep a restricted service going. Mr Semple said that about a month ago, in company with the Hon. P. C. Webb, the Minister of Mines and Labour, he* visited Huntly and addressed mineowners’ representatives and representatives of the miners’ organisation, and explained to them the importance of an increased output of coal to maintain the railways system, particularly in view of the shortage of rubber and the curtailment of road transport. The New Zealand railways system to-day was carrying a greater load in goods and passengers than ever before in its history, and without the maximum amount of coal the railways service would be in jeopardy and on the verge of collapse. ' This, with the rubber shortage, would amount to a national calamity.