HEAVIER DEMAND FOR COAL

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23918, 9 April 1943, Page 4

HEAVIER DEMAND FOR COAL

125,000 TONS MORE WANTED THIS YEAR MR WEBB EXPLAINS NEED FOR ECONOMY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 8. Figures showing a big increase in the demand for coal were given by the Minister of Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb) to-night. He said the coal situation was undoubtedly serious. Since the outbreak of war the demand for coal had been phenomenal and 125,000 tons more coal than last year was required this year. The extra coal required for railways this year was more than 50,000 tons, for the production of electric power 25,000 tons, for the production of gas 15,000 tons, for military camps 15,000 tons, and for industrial and domestic use 20,000 tons.

The Minister said last year’s production of coal was 2,680,041 tons, which was a record for the industry, and an increase of 40,543 tons on the production of the previous year. For the first three months of this year production was higher by 18,000 tons, compared with the corresponding period of last year. About 17.000 tons of this extra coal was produced by the Waikato mines. For March of this year production showed an increase of 24,000 tons over March of last year, the increased output from the Waikato mines for that month amounting to 16,000 tons. There were thousands of tons of good steaming coal available in Southland if shipping could be made available to lift it. The usual supplies from Australia, of about 100,000 tons, were expected this year, but this again depended on the availability of supplies and shipping. Even assuming all this coal came to hand, it would still be necessary to economise in the use of coal.

Mr Webb said more suitable coal seams were being rapidly developed to augment the supply of coal. These were almost ready to work, and would absorb more men, The following figures showing the increased consumption of coal between the years 1935-36 and 1942-43 by various industries were, given by the Minister:— 1935-36. 1942-43. Tons, Tons. Railways ~ .. 435.000 600,000 Gas .. .. 205,000 268,000 Power .. .. 10,500 100.000 Meat freezing .. 85,00(1 122,000 Lime and cement ‘ 70,000 144,000 Butter iand cheese 136,000 154,000 Miscellaneous industries .. 135,000 245,000