THE SHORTAGE OF COAL.

Evening Star, Issue 14964, 26 August 1912, Page 2

THE SHORTAGE OF COAL.

[Special to the Stab.] AUCKLAND, August 26. "The scarcity of coal, which has been apparent this year, is chiefly attributed to tho fact that there has been an increased demand," remarked Mr O. Joachim, managing director of tho West-port Coal Company, when interviewed. "Up to date-," continued Mr Joachim, "the. Westport Coal Company, for instance, have sent out 10,000 tons more coal than was sent out for tho same period last year. Several circumstances, however, have prevented a large supply from being sent out. Operations have been hindered by exceptionally bad weather, boats having been delayed on the East Coast and being unable to get to Westport in time ; also, there has been a great scarcity of trucks at tho East Coast ports. Though still behind in the direction of orders, the company are gradually creeping up to a more satisfactory position in this respect.."' "And what about tho coal supply in other places?" "At Newcastle,*' said Mr Joachim, " they are at present suffering from a shortage, and I believe that vessels aTe still waiting to load coal. Tho English coal strike has, of course, atfected the coal trade, in most parts of the world, and in consequence of this strike there has been a large demand for Newcastle coal from tho South American States. The total outpat from the Westport mince last vear was about 620,000 tons, about 50,000" tons of this being used -by the, ships of the Australasian squadron, and yet there, was a scarcity of coal during the year. This year the output will be over 630,000 tons." To the question as to whether then: was a possibility of further areas ot bituminous coal being discovered in the back country of the East Coast, Mr Joachim replied that the country was of a promising description, but there was more probability of fresh seams being discovered than of new arc-as being found. As yet, however, j the-country had not been sufficiently exploited.