BIG DECLINE IN COAL PRODUCTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 119, 15 February 1944, Page 4

BIG DECLINE IN COAL PRODUCTION

Position On West Coast

(By Telvcraph.—Press Association ) GREYMOUTH, February 14. Further steps .were taken during the weekend to effect a settlement of. the dispute which has occasioned au unofficial go-slow policy at the Strongman and Liverpool State mines for the past fortnight. During this.time the normal production figures of 12,500 tons have been down to the extent of 5000 tons, or 2500 tons weekly. There appears to be no immediate prospect of a resumption of production at the normal rate. It is stated that the loss of production at the combined Grey district mines since work was' resumed in 1944, first through absenteeism and time lost through irregular attendances and a protracted strike of over a week's duration at three of the principal mines, together with the present. £o-slow tactics in the Kanauga district, has resulted in an irrevocable total loss of something like ,40,000 tons of coal. This big decline has left its mark in all directions. It is learned from a most reliable source tiiat something iu the nature of 100,000 tons represents the approximate deficiency in normal coal reserves throughout the Dominion. This can only be restored gradually by means of uninterrupted production at ail the mines operating in both islands With the winter months near at hand stability must be accomplished in some form to ensure the smooth running of the various national units, such as gasworks, freezing works, railways, and factories. A conference was held at Greymouth yesterday between district delegates _of the Natioual Council of United Mine Workers and the Grey District Miners’ Central Committee. No announcement was made following the conference which, however, was only in the nature of an initial step in an attempt to open up some form of negotiation toward remedying the present unsatisfactory situation.