MINING INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 23552, 16 April 1940, Page 6

MINING INDUSTRY

INCREASED GOLD AND COAL PRODUCTION BETTER COAL FIGURES STILL REQUIRED [Per United Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, April 16. A comprehensive review of the mining industry and production figures for the calendar year, 1939, was given by the Minister of Mines, Mr Webb, in a statement issued to-day. Mr Webb said that although the. statistics had not yet been finally checked, the provisional figures showed clearly that the year might be regarded as a satisfactory one from the viewpoint of production^ Gold exported for the year totalled 175,6670 z, valued at £1,623,000; an increase of 24,5150 z and £335,000 in value compared with the previous year. It was worthy of special mention that from the West Coast of the South Island the export figures showed increases of 34,6100 z and £368,000 in value compared with 1938, Over 57 per cent, of the total gold exported from the Dominion in 1939 was produced on the West Coast, the- quantity being 100,7240 z. Dealing with the output of coal, the Minister said the total for the year was 2,342,639 tons, an increase of approximately 120,000 tons compared with thl previous year. This was the highest output since 1930, and the increase was spread over all classes of coal. The :number of men employed was 4,762, an increase of 199, the output per man employed underground for the year being 661 tons, an increase of two tons a man compared with 1938. Mr Webb declared that the output was satisfactory in view of the need of greater production. It was essential, however, that production be increased considerably adequately to fulfil the varied needs of the Dominion, and unless the industry could be organised in such a way as to do this, it was obvious that the Goyernment’s policy of limiting importations and refusing to permit the opening of new mines on Crown lands would have to be reMr Webb declared he was watching the position closely, and was convinced that existing mines could fulfil requirements provided a greater measure of efficiency was employed in the industry, and a greater measure of cooperation obtained. The Minister said the State mines had had a very satisfactory year, the output being 217,765 tons, the highest for many years. He was satisfied with the efficiency of the mine management, and the • administration of the State mines was of a very high standard, comparing more than favourably with many privately-owned collieries. ' Mr Webb also referred to the value of co-operative mining, and to the assistance given by the department in various ways for prospecting and development work, as well as for _ improvement of the amenities of mining townships.