SHORTAGE OF COAL

Evening Star, Issue 22685, 26 June 1937, Page 11

SHORTAGE OF COAL

MINISTER APPEALS TO INDUSTRY LOTH TO INGREASE IMPORTS [Per United Press Association,] GHEYMOUTH, June 25. The Minister of Mines (Hon. P. 0. Webb) to-day discussed with officials of the State Miners’ Union the subject of continuity of production, urging that the demand required the elimination of any stoppages. Mr Webb subsequently made the. following statement : “ There is ample evidence that the increased purchasing power of the community has resulted in a substantial increase in the consumption of coal. Householders who, during the depression, were forced to reduce their purchases to a bag at a time, are again ordering their requirements in half-ton and one-ton lots. The improved conditions in industry are also responsible for a greatly increased use of coal for industrial power and heat. Particularly important is the additional tonnage needed by the Railways Department. “ In short, the position of the coal mining industry has completely changed during the past 18 months. So much so, that I am convinced that _wo are already faced with the possibility of a! serious shortage. The Railways Department has encroached considerably on the reserves of coal to maintain its services. Numbers of coal companies, as well as the State Coal Mines Department, are well behind in filling railway orders, and, in addition, the retailers of household coal in some districts are complaining of a shortage of supplies.

“ The position Is such that I have been approached to agree to increased importations of coal. I feel that such a step would be most regrettable, particularly in view of the depressed conditions in the industry over a number of years. It is obvious, however, that the wheels of industry must be kept turning and that no home fireside must go short. If coal cannot be produced in New Zealand, then it must be imported. I appeal to coal mine owners and miners to take such steps as to avoid the necessity for any action of this nature. If sufficient coal cannot be produced by the present staff, then the staff must be increased until no ablebodied miner remains out of fulltime employment. Unless the industry responds to my appeal—-and the employees as well as the employers have a duty in this direction—l will have no alternative but to concur in the increased importation of coal, an eventuality which I for years done my utmost to prevent.

“ In harmony with my appeal, I have already requested the superintendent of the State Mines to employ additional miners, and action in this direction will ho taken immediately. It is supposed that should the usual summer re Suction in tho coal trade warrant a reduction in staff, the previsions of the agreement already in existence will apply—namely, the last to ho put on will be the first to ho put off.’-