GOAL SHORTAGE

Evening Star, Issue 23864, 19 April 1941, Page 12

GOAL SHORTAGE

DANGER OF ACUTE POSITION PUBLIC ASKED TO ORDER AHEAD A shortage of coal is causing spma anxiety in the trade at present, 'and although it is said to be not really serious at the moment, any untoward developments would quickly make it so. The shortage deyeloped primarily, when the sudden change of weather from summer-like conditions to those of winter brought about a phenomenal demand. All stocks were soon depleted, but this in itself would not have mattered so much had it not been for the coincidence of a holiday period. Mines in Otago and Southland were closed on Good Friday and on Easter Monday, while Southland miners had an additional holiday on Easter Tuesday on account of the Riverton races being held. Next Friday (Anzac Day)) will be another non-working day, and May 1 is a recognised miners’ holiday. Each day the mines are closed means that production is set back approximately 1,000 tons ■ a day in Southland and approximately the same amount in Otago, so that these holidays have meant the .output has been set at least 9,000 tons. With the winter demand setting in early this quantity is not at all likely to be made up.,: Production is also being, hindered through a shortage of experienced man power, due to the demands made by military requirements. Miners themselves have not suffered so greatly in this respect, but it is stated that'the ranks of truckers have been* rather, markedly depleted, and if truckers am not available the activities of thQ miners are restricted. Any stoppage at the mines now, or any interferences in operations or deliveries because of climatic developments would, it was stated to the ‘ Star,’ result in an ‘ acute shortage. In the meantime all orders are being met, although some slight delay is occurring in a few eases. It is suggested that persons requiring coal just now should order a c£ay or two in advance of their needs, so that delay in delivery will not inconvenience them* 'Mild weather, which would mean a decrease in the number of home fires, would relieve the shortage somewhat, hut the, general opinion in the trade seems to be that coal is likely to be in short supjply until the winter season is ended.