JAPAN MAY BUY COAL

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32303, 22 May 1970, Page 1

JAPAN MAY BUY COAL

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 21.

Several Japanese companies had expressed an interest in making substantial purchases of coal from mines on the West Coast, the Minister of Mines (Mr Shelton) said tonight.

Mr Shelton said in an interview that he. had an appointment tomorrow with representatives of one major Japanese firm.

I. New Zealand company had formed a joint New Zea-land-Japanese export combine which hoped to export both coal and timber to Japan. Yet another Japanese company had its representatives in Westport at present, Mr Shelton said. “While the coal was being held for the New Plymouth power station it could not be used in other ways,” said the Minister. “But now the power station is no longer a

factor, we can investigate ail the other possibilities.” Mr Shelton said no specific tonnages had been mentioned, but one of the Japanese companies had talked about using 50,000-ton ships. The amounts of coal involved in all the discussions were substantial. He acknowledged that the lack of suitable ports on the West Coast could be a problem, but said this was not necessarily insoluble.

The Government decision not to use coal fuel for the New Plymouth power station was announced yesterday. The Mayor of Westport (Mr W. A. Craddock) said yesterday afternoon that the West Coast coal industry would have to rely on the Japanese for its future.

[Concern About Compensation—Baek Page]