BIGGER COAL SUPPLIES

Evening Star, Issue 23650, 9 August 1940, Page 4

BIGGER COAL SUPPLIES

RESTRICTIONS LIFTED [Pee United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 8. An improvement in coal supplies has resulted in the restrictions placed on the running of excursion trains to‘race meetings, football matches, and other sports gatherings being lifted recently by the Railway Department. When inquiries were made at the head office in Wellington to-day it was stated that more poal was how available and reserve stocks were being replenished. During the shortage, which became very acute about three months ago, the department cancelled a largo number of Sunday trains in different parts of New Zealand and placed restrictions on excursion trains. About three weeks later an improvement in the supplies resulted in the restrictions on Sunday trains being lifted, and the position continued to improve. During the period when the supplies were very short the department was compelled to draw on its reserves of Newcastle coal which were already in New Zealand, particularly during the busy weeks when traffic was unusually heavy. Since then the reserve stocks of Newcastle coal have been replenished by the arrival of further shipments. At present the department is carrying on as usual with New Zealand coal, the production of which is sufficient to meet current demands. Where possible the reserves of New Zealand coal are also being built up. In all coal mining centres the men are working every second Saturday in an effort- to increase production.