COAL STOCKS AT AUCKLAND

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23747, 19 September 1942, Page 4

COAL STOCKS AT AUCKLAND

REASONABLE SUPPLIES (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 18. _ “Assuming that a settlement is reached in reasonable time, the board considers that it will be able to supply the coal needs of industry until l>roduction begins at the mines again, said Mr R. H. Bartley, general manager of the Auckland Electric Power Board, to-day. Mr Bartley added that at present the board was distributing about 500 tons a day, and had between 11,000 and 12,000 tons on hand. In addition, over 400 tons of coal were being received from the Government mines at Mangapehi. Fortunately, warmer weather, longer days, and a good supply of water at hydro-electric works lessened the power board’s dependence on coal generation of power. Mr Bartley added, however, that any long-continued shortage would mean that the board would have to differentiate between those industries directly involved in the war potential and others less essential. In that event the board was prepared to go to the extent even of cutting its own services in certain directions before essential industries were hampered, but on the basis of present supplies he felt confident that stocks were sufficient to keep going until the miners resumed. There was also the factor of South Island supplies that should become available if a serious hold-up eventuated.

CONSERVATION OF STOCKS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, September 18. An assurance that coal was being conserved for use where mofet required was given when inquiries were made in official quarters to-night as to what arrangements were being made to provide dairy factories and other essential industries with supplies in the event of the present mining stoppage in the Waikato continuing. It was stated that many industries with considerable stocks in hand would, in the meantime, be unable to obtain further supplies. All supplies were being conserved and directed to where they were most needed. ___