COAL FOR RAILWAYS

Evening Star, Issue 25325, 6 November 1944, Page 7

COAL FOR RAILWAYS

STATEMENT BY MINISTER FACTORS IN SHORTAGE " In view of the fact that .L have !>Ren subject to considerable pressure U'pni ail sides to increase rail servico* ruuing the holiday season, 1 feel that t-ne true position should bo known," said tne h.Oll. It. Semple, Minister of Hqilwuys. "Jn my opinion the full story as to the necessity of imposing reductions in train services has been deliberately misrepresented by those who have not the interests of the Dominion at heart, and, to clarify the position, I have obtained data from the Mines Department which show the true position, and, moreover, justify the Government in the action which 't has taken. SHORTAGE OF LAST WAR.

" During the war of 1014-18, the decline in tiie production oif New Zealand coal produced a most serious position. Tin' output fell from 2,270.011 tons in 1914 to 2,034,250 tone in 191.8 a decrease of 10.6 per cent. During tiu> present war, production has risen from «,342.639 tons to 2,787,860, or 19 pet cent,"

The Minister added that the Massey Government was able to rely on the Importation of the following quantities of coal:—l9ls, 344,495 tons; 1916, Notwithstanding these importations the Massey Government found it necessary to impose drastic restrictions on the railways service, and there was a grave shortage of coal for domestic use. During that period the coal shortage was so acute- that it was necessary to produce a doctor's certificate indicating illness in the family, before any coal nould be delivered. The present Government had been taken to task for adt-ocating the nationalisation of coal mines, but critics forgot the position in 1917 in respect of mining difficult ties,- causing the late Mr Massey, in November, 1918, to appoint a select committee of the House to report on the Dominion's industries, the effect of the recommendations being that the coal mines of the Dominion should be nationalised and the privately-owned mines be purchased by the State at valuation. "When the" present Government advocates the taking over of certain mines in-order to work them for tho benefit of the Dominion, ,it is immediately taken to task, and the ah l cry of ' Socialisation ' is brought to the fore with the express purpose of injuring the Government politically. To my mind that is not playing cricket* and the only assumption that can be drawn from such tactics is that they are designed to pull wool over the eyes of the people." HUGE INCREASE IN INDUSTRY. The following figures, showing coal production during last war and this war; were quoted by the Minister:— —Last War.'— 1914 2.275,614 tons 1915 2,208,624 tons 1916 2.257,135 tons / J 917 2;068,419 tow WIS 2,034,250 tons . —This- War.-v 1939 2,342,639 tons 1940 ... ;.. 2,516,099 tons 1941 2,639,507 tons 1942 ... ... 2.680,041 tons 1943 2,787,860 tons

From 1914 to 1927 importations of coal were received from Newcastle, India, Africa, Japan, America, QueensCanada, Yorkshire, Wales, and the importation of coal considerably augmented the supply in the Dominion. Since the Labour Government came into offiee. as a result of its policy of assisting secondary industry in New Zealand, the consumption of coal has increased very considerably, increases since 1959 being as follows:—For railways by 26 per cent.; for gas by 18 per ceut.; for butter and cheese by 16 per cent.; for lime and cement by 5 pet cent.; for meat freezing by 16 per cent.; for electric supply by 546 per cent.; for other factories by 64 per cent. In 1935 the consumption by railways was 397,310 tons; and in 1943. 611,841; an increase of 214,331. Coal used in auxiliary plants foi electricity generation showed an increase of 546 per cent. The lack of Australian coal had had a very serious effect on gas production, and also on .the railways. Again, the supply of bituminous coal had been made more: difficult' on account of the West Coast harbours having been barbound for long periods; also shipping space was no longer available to tho same extent as before the war. The coal shortage did not apply to New Zealand only. Other countries, 'such as England, Canada, and Australia, were in a worse position, and more drastic restrictions had been imposed. The railways in New Zealand had done exceptionally well,, and had" met the requirements of the people and of industries in an efficient manner.

"For the first time for many years," Mr Semple concluded, " particularly in war time, New Zealand has been thrown on her own resources as far as coal is concerned. I know, of course, that what the people want to know is what train services will be running during the Christmas holidays, and I realise this is very important to them. At the moment, until the situation is thoroughly clarified, I am not in a position to make any public statement, but I shall certainly take the people into my confidence at the: earliest possible moment, as I realise that after a strenuous working year it is their desire to take the opportunity to visit the various resorts and their friends throughout the Dominion' to 'recuperate'for the strenuous period l which lies ahead."