PRODUCTION’ OF GAS COAL

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26396, 14 April 1951, Page 6

PRODUCTION’ OF GAS COAL

IMMEDIATE SHORTAGE NOT EXPECTED (From Our Own Reporter) ~ GREYMOUTH. April 13. Some 1800 tons of coal were produced this week by the Garvey’s Creek open-cast mine which is the only unit in the South Island at the present time producing gas coal in any appreciable quantity. The mine is being worked by a non-union development party under contract to the Government. According to unofficial advice Army and caval personnel engaged in assembling gas coal to meet the demands from various quarters are well ahead with the provision and assembly of available quotas this week, and under normal circumstances no immediate shortages should develop. Other major industries in the Canterbury district are, however, likely to be affected. With all the stored coal cleared from the State mines in the Buller and Inangahua areas, naval ratings from the frigate Taupo have now moved in to assist in the transport of coal from private and open-cast mines in these areas. Some of the mines are being worked and stored coal is being moved from the others. In less than a weak the naval ratings have sent 4000 tons of coal by rail from Reefton. This is the greatest quantity of coal transported from the township for many years. About 500 rail waggons were needed to remove it. Most of the coal went to Westport for loading into vessels for the North Island.