"WISER COUNSELS"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 56, 7 March 1944, Page 6

"WISER COUNSELS"

MR. WEBB'S HOPE

GREYMOUTH, This Day. The Minister of Mines (Mr. Webb) stated in an interview yesterday that, notwithstanding a few unnecessary stoppages for a day, the production of the Runanga State mines had been excellent, and it was to be deeply regretted that such a wonderful record should be marred at this time, when every ton of coal was,so badly needed. He hoped that wiser counsels would prevail and normal production soon be proceeded with. Mr. Webb- said he did not know of one dispute that could not have been rectified had constitutional means been adopted and the Government given a chance to settle it. With the exception of the State mines at Runanga, all New Zealand mines were increasing their output. < FLEASED WITH WAIKATO. The Minister expressed himself as pleased with the work done in the Waikato since the mines were taken over by the State, with the exception of some little trouble in the early part of the year, when several thousand tons were lost in production, largely because of absenteeism and a few un-, forgiveable stoppages that could have' been easily rectified without stopping:. However, the miners were now working splendidly, and were right back to normal production. "Th» open-cut coal mine which is "being worked in the Waikato is producing about 1200 tons of coal weekly, and it is hoped to have another four mines in operation before the winter," the Minister said. Re added that it was hoped to make arrangements to operate an open-cut mine at Reef ton.