IDLE STATE MINES

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 August 1933, Page 3

IDLE STATE MINES

CONFERENCE DECLINED

CASE FOR THE DEPARTMENT

Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., has received the following letter, dated August 12, from the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, Minister of Mines:—•

The representations made to the Hon. J. Bitchener, Minister of Public Works, at Greymouth, on June 27 last, by the combined deputation introduced by you from the State Miners’ Union, Grey Valley Miners' Union, and tha Greymouth Chamber of Commerce, have been duly referred to me for consideration. It is noted therefrom that what is desired is: (1) A conference of the .Mines Department, the Sales Department of the Mines Department, the State Miners’ Union, the Railways Department and the Chamber of Commerce with regard to the position as it affects Government orders to the State Mines and to the Dobson and Wallsend mines; (2) an investigation to be made into the sales of the State Mines Department and also why the coal out of the State Mines cannot be used by the Railways Department; (3> the cessation of importations of coal at the present time when so many miners are unemployed; and (4) the introduction of a tax on crude oil. The allegations which were made by some of the speakers that the sale of State coal throughout New Zealand was being neglected and that competitors were able to do better in obtaining orders have caused me some concern, and, in order’ that the position may be revealed fully, I have therefore had tabulated statistics relating to (a) the production of coal, men employed at, and idle time suffered’ at the principal collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts, (bi the consumption of coal by Railwajs, Gasworks, and other industries, and (c) sales of State coal over recent years. As to the production of coal, the statement, attached hereto and marked No. 1 shows the tonnage produced, the average number of men employed, and the number of idle days lost at the PP n " ci pal collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts.' As will be seen from Table No. 1 with one exception" there are more men employed at the Liverpool Colliery than any other mine mentioned in the statement, and the time lost at four of the principal collieries is greater than that of the Liverpool colliery Making a comparison between the years 1928 and 1932 it will be seen that the number of men employed at the Liverpool Mine is only five jess in 1932 than was the case in 1928. Making a similar comparison with regard to the Dobson, Blackball, Millerton and Denniston mines shows that a substantial reduction has brm made in the number of men employed m the year 1932 when compared with the year 1928, but notwithstanding that, with one exception, those mines have lost more time .than the Liverpool mine in 1932.

As it would- appear that the members of the ' deputation were chiefly concerned over developments during the earlier part of this year the statement attached hereto and marked No. 2 showing information similar to that of statement No. 1 has been compiled for the six monthly period ended June 30 1933, and for the previous years back to 1928. To better illustrate the position tables Nos. 3 and 4 have been prepared, showing the relative position in each year and in six monthly periods based on the 192.8 figures and giving those figures an index figure of 100. The statements and tables show that generally production increased in the years 1929 and 1930 and from then on fell away considerably., the decline being due to the decreased demand through the greater use of electricity and fuel oil for power, heating and lighting purposes and through the depression affecting industries and reducing the purchasing power of the public To illustrate this the consumption of coal has fallen from 2.50 tons per capita in 1914 to 1.27 tons per capita in 1932. Notwithstanding the general decrease in production and also in the decrease of the average number of men employed the tables show that with one exception the State Coal Mines have maintained a higher level in both instances during the year 1932 and in the six months ended June 30, 1933, than its competitors. DISTRICT COMPARISONS. As compared with 1928 the outputs from the State Mines in 1932. show that the Liverpool output decreased by 24.48 per cent, and the James output by 22.78 per cent., the decreases by competitors being: Dobson 34.64 per cent., Blackball 64.88 per cent., Millerton 61.79 per cent., Denniston 53.43 per cent., and Westport-Stockton 31.37 per pent. As to the average number of men employed at the mines the index figures for 1932 show that at the State mines practically the same number of men were employed as in 1928, whereas competing interests have in the main reduced the number of their employees and in some cases to a considerable extent. It might have been expected that, as the result of the number of the employees not having been reduced as much as our competitors, there would have been more idle time at the State Mines, but an examination of the figures in this connection in statements Nos. 1 and 2 shows that such is not the case ,and the idle time is comparatively low in the circumstances. It appears that had the number of employees at the State Mines been reduced to the same extent as was done at most of the other mines in the Greymouth district, practically no idle time would have been suffered at the State Mines during 1932 for want of orders. ~ With regard to the consumption oi coal, it is well known to those who are engaged in the management of the coal industry that the increasing use of electricity and fuel oil has greatly reduced the demand for coal for power and other purposes and especially so for bituminous coals as produced in the Greymou.th and Westport districts. Particularly is this noticeable in the demand by shipping companies for bunker coal. The requirements of coal for Railway purposes, gasmaking and ships’ bunkers constitute the greatest outlet for bituminous coals, and the following statement gives the tonnages used by these services over four yearly periods from 1928-29 to

1931-32 also the relative position based on the 1928-29 figures, using 100 as index figure for that year. Statement of quality of coal used on railways by shipping and by gasworks during the years ended March 31, 1929, to 1932 (the figures f0r.1932-3„ are not available); also the relative index figure for each year, using 100 as index figure for 1928-29.

As will be seen from the above figures, the consumption on the Railways for the year 1931-32 when compared with the years 1928-29 shows a decline of about ten per cent., shipping a decline of about 45 per cent., and gasworks less than half per cent. In reference to sales of State coal, the following is a statement of total sales of Liverpool and James coals, for the years ended March 31, 1929, to 1933, also the relative index figure of each year, based on 1928-29 as 100:

From reliable d'ata in the possession of the Department it is manifest that the reduction in the sales of State coal as disclosed in the above table not only synchronises more or less but is less than the general reduction throughout the Dominion of coal consumed on a per capita basis dui ing the years specifiecljn the above table. State coal is supplied to railways, shipping, gasworks, householders and steamusers and a. statement of the sales to these sections over the years 1928-29 to 1932-33 and the relative index figure based on 1928-29 as 100, is as follows:

(Coal sold to miners and coal, other than to Gasworks, in Greymouth district, aro not included in the above figures). In the gasworks, household and steam sections increased sales over 1928- were obtained in the years 1929- and 1930-31 and a gradual falling off has taken place since. In addition to the abnormal conditions prevailing the decrease in the gas section may be accounted for by the replacing of horizontal retorts with vertical retorts and the greater use of non-swelling coals therein to counteract the swelling properties of Liverpool coals. In the shipping and steam ■sections there has been a considerable decline in sales, and for the reasons stated herein previously.

The sales to Railways decreased considerably in the year 1929-30 but have increased since that year till in 193233 the sales are greater by over 12 per cent, than 1928-29. As to the Railway orders for State coal representations have been made from time

to time that Liverpool unscreened coal should be used for locomotive purposes in lieu of screened or. to make up shortages in the supply of screened by using unscreened, but the efforts made in that direction have not proved successful. I have advised the Hon. Minister of Railways of the representations made by the deputation iespecting the withdrawal of railway orders in the Grey Valley and the use of Liverpool unscreened for locomotive purposes, and have requested him to advise me if an improvement can be effected therein. The household section regarding sales of State coal shows a decline of 15.02 per cent, with 1928-29, which is due to the greater use of electricity and gas for domestic purposes, the hawking of cheap firewood, and the decreased purchasing power of householders. The percentage decrease, however, is considerably smaller than the decrease in the percentage of coal consumed per head of population during the years referred, to. SELLING ORGANISATION. After consideration of the position revealed in the statistics, I am satisfied that the allegations made by the deputation that sale of State coal throughout New Zealand had been neglected were not justified nor can they be substantiated. Indeed, from the figures tabulated it is evident that, as compared with other collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts production of State coal has been well maintained relatively, and is in fact generally higher than that of competing mines. Moreover, such position has been maintained notwithstanding that there has been practically no reduction in the average number of men employed at the State Mines. It is also submitted that it reflects credit to the selling organisation of the Department, as it is well known that production is governed by the sales, and I can assure you that the sale of State coal is being pushed energetically and successfully by the officers of the Department. It is recognised by our competitors that the officers of the State Coal Mines are very active in their endeavours to secure orders and to maintain markets, and periodical visits are made to different parts of the Dominion with that object in view. In Wellington and Christchurch numerous agencies have been established at convenient points in those cities and suburbs where orders are taken for State coal and those agencies have greatly assisted the tle.pots in their activities. At Gisborne there is an agency which is most active in securing substantial orders for State steam coal. One of the great difficulties that has to be contended with in the selling of Liverpool coal is that it is so friable that about twothirds of it is slack. If it were hard round coal, one of the greatest selling difficulties would disappear. It is difficulties of this nature which do not seem to be taken into account when the selling organisation is criticised. Again, as showing the decreasing market in New Zealand for coal, the following table giving the consumption of coal is illuminating:—

Decrease per head since 1914, 1.23 tons. At the deputation allegations were made against the officers of the Mines Department and State Coal Mines without any previous attempts to verify the facts, and without having an intimate knowledge or experience in selling coal, and they have held up to public obloquy a body of men who are keenly and efficiently attending to the business of the Department, but who are unable to defend themselves. I must express my disappointment and regret that the speakers should have made such statements, which have been widely circulated by the Press throughout the Dominion, when it should have been obvious to them that the chief causes of the falling off of coal orders are the increasing limitations in the uses of coal as well as the abnormal trade conditions prevailing, which have affected other industries, and in some cases to a greater extent than the coal industry. A notable example of business lost right in the heart of the Greymouth coalfield is that of the closing down recently of the steam power plant near Dobson, which consumed about 5000 tons of James slack annually, and the replacement thereof by the Arnold River hydraulic electricity plant. Regarding the coal industry in general, the present position throughout the Dominion is causing great anxiety to myself and the officers of the Mines Department. It, like all businesses and industries ,is battling against great odds to secure and maintain markets and to give employment to miners and others. The causes for the present position have already been referred to and are beyond the control of the Department. In respect to coal leases, it has been recognised that there were too many mines operating in the Dominion and too many engaged in the industry, and as a matter of Government policy I declared in the Mines Statement of 1931 that no more leases involving the opening of new coal rights would be granted unless in exceptional cases and in isolated districts, which were not served by existing mines, and this policy is being carried out. It would be helpful to me if Members of Parliament representing coal mining districts and Chambers of Commerce would support me in maintaining this policy. It is considered that the conference asked for would not result in any further information being elicited than is already known, and as the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce has since interviewed the Chairman of the Railways Board and Chief Officers of the Railway Department with respect to Government orders for the collieries in the Greymouth district, it does appear to me that the proposed conference is not justified. No. 1.

Statement 'showing production, average number of men employed, and idle days (excluding back Saturdays and holidays) at Collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts, for calendar years 1928 to 1932: —

No. 2. Statement showing outputs, average number of men employed, and idle time (not including back Saturdays and holidays) at collieries in the Greymouth' and Westport districts for the six months ended June 30 of each year from 1928 to 1932: —

No. 3. Table showing relative production of ami average number of men employed at Collieries in the Greymouth and Westport, Districts for the calendar years 1928 to 1932. using 100 as index figure for year 1928.

Wallsend is calculated on 1929 figures, as production commenced in 1928 and was only 308 tons. No. 4. Table showing relative production of and average number of men employed at collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts for the six months ended June 30 of years 1928 to 1933, uMng 100 as index figure for 1928. 1928.

1928-29. Index Tons. Figure. Railways Shipping Gasworks .. 409,677 .. 319,204 .. 220,825 100 100 100 Totals .. 949,706 100 1929-30. Index Tons. Figure. Railways Shipping Gasworks . .. 476,268 .. 315,672 . .. 227,521 116.25 98.89 103.03 Totals .. 1,019,461 107.34 1930-31. Railways Shipping Gasworks .. 433,004 . .. 246,239 . . . 239,788 105.69 77.14 108.58 Totals . . .. 919,031 96.77 1931-32. Railways Shipping Gasworks . .. 369,044 . .. 176,811 . .. 220,101 90.08 55.39 99.67 Totals .. 765,956 80.65

1928-29. Tons. Index Figure. Liverpool James .. .. 123,974 .. .. 36,941 100 100 1929-30. Liverpool James .... 139,376 .. .. 43,410 112.42 117.51 1930-31. Liverpool James .. 124,324 . .. 41,160 100.28 111.42 1931-32. Liverpool James ... ..• 107,944 ,. ... 35,967 . 87.07 97.36 1932-33. Liverpool James 94,030 .. .. 27,424 75.85 74.24

1928-29. Index Figure. Tons. Railways 20,565 100 Shipping .. 17,169 100 Gasworks 60,374 100 Householders .. 27,483 100 Steam-users 30,632 100 1929-30. Index Tons. Figure. Railways .. 13,134 63.86 Shipping 20,511 119.46 Gasworks 73,698 122.07 Householders 34,360 125.02 Steam-users .. 32,211 105.15 1930-31. Railways 14,561 70.S0 Shipping 9,025 52.57 Gasworks .. 65,286 108.14 Householders 28,040 102.03 Steam-users .. 37,184 121.39 1931-32. Index Tons Figure. Railways .. 19,257 93.64 Shipping 11,456 66.72 Gasworks 56,004 92.76 Householders 24,275 88.33 Steam-users 22,750 74.27 1932-33. Index Tons Figure. Railways .. 23,155 112.59 Shipping 6,639 38.67 Gasworks 52,769 87.40 Householders ,. 23,354 84.98 Steam-users 12,105 39.52

Year. Tons Consumed. 1914 2,853,684 1924 2,757,690 1929 2,751,520 1932 1,945,497 Consumption Population. per head. 1,140,172 2.50 1.352,618 2.04 1,472,925 1.86 1.526.115 1.27

Colliery 1928 Tons Men Days Idle Liverpool 130881 310 01 James 39877 83 17 Dobson 97524 264 34 Wallsend 308 21

Production commenced December Blackball 119358 292 100 Millerton 167340 462 71 Denniston 22855S 513 16 WestportStockton 152884 294 37 Colliery 1929 Tons Men Days Liverpool 137593 346 Idle James 41592 80 Dobson 139461 299 29 Wallsend 4631 6 141 3 Production comm enced Blackball Dec 79845 ember 230 103 Millerton 203071 465 2 S Denniston 200399 507 WestportStockton 151716 320 51 Colliery 1930 Tons Men Days Liverpool 132550 334 Idle James 42284 79 16 Dobson 117386 311 66 Wallsend 62573 1,61 16 Production commenced Blackball December 96076 301 44 Millerton 168185 450 71 Denniston 187165 522 -1 WestportStockton 152600 311 69 Colliery 1931 Tons Men Davs Liverpool 120840 347 Idle 63 James 38783 79 — 1 Dobson 66432 28S 103 Wallsend 5S8G1 173 41 Production commenced Blackball December 12171 47 148 Millerton 71757 389 167 Denniston 133762 487 101 WestportStockton 107536 306 113 Colliery 1932 Tons Men Days Liverpool 98846 341 Idle 113 James 30793 79 90 Dobson 63737 121 Wallsend 49SS7 150 61 Production commenced Blackball December 41922 69 7 6 Millerton 63947 260 130 Denniston 1064 10 427 127 WesrportStockton 104920 29o 151

- THE GKEY STAR, IDLE STATE MINES to time that Liverpool unscreened coal should be used for locomotive purposes in lieu of screened or. to make up shortages in the supply of screened by using unscreened, but the efforts made in that direction have not proved successful. I have advised the Hon. i © © © © © & & © ©■© © © Mode Alinister of Railways of the representations made by the deputation re- © © © & © © CONFERENCE uEvLUNEm speeding the withdrawal of railway orof Liverpool unscreened for locomo- © © five purposes, and have requested him & © to advise me if an improvement can be effected therein. The household © © & & © © © © CASE FOR THE DEPARTMENT section regarding sales of State coal shows a decline of 15.02 per cent, with 1928-29, which is due to the greater use of electricity and gas for domesticpurposes, the hawking of cheap fire- © & *o« vS? _ - wood, and the decreased purchasing © © © © & & Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., has received the following letter, dated August 12, 1931-32, also the relative position based on the 1928-29 figures, using 100 as index figure for that year. Statement of quality of coal used on railways, by shipping and by gasworks during the years ended March 31, 19-9, to 1932 (the figures for.1932-33 are not available); also the relative index .. z.v, voor iisinsi 100 as inpower of householders. The percentage decrease, however, is considerably smaller than the decrease in the perfrom the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, Minister of Mines:—• The representations made to the Hon. J. Bitchener, Minister of Public Works, at Greymouth, on June 27 last, by the combined deputation introduced centage of coal consumed per head of population during the years referred, to. SELLING ORGANISATION. After consideration of the position , @ © © ©- © © © © © © AWW by you from the State Miners’ Union, Grey Valley Miners' Union, and Ilgure 1U1 eavi dex figure for 1928-29. revealed in the statistics, I am satisfied that the allegations made by the © © the Greymouth Chamber of Com-1928-29. deputation that sale of State coal © © merce, have been duly referred to me Index throughout New Zealand had been for consideration. It is noted thereTons. Figure. neglected were not justified nor can © from that what is desired is: — .. 409,677 they be substantiated. Indeed, from © © (1) A conference of the .Mines DeRailways 100 the figures tabulated it is evident that, © © partment, the Sales Department of the Shipping .. 319,204 100 100 as compared with other collieries in © Alines Department, the State Miners Union, the Railways Department and Gasworks 220,825 the Greymouth and Westport districts production of State coal has been © © .. 949,706 the Chamber of Commerce with regard Totals 100 well maintained relatively, and is in © © to the position as it affects Govern-1929-30. fact generally higher than that of © © ment orders to the State Mines and to Index competing mines. Moreover, such posi- © © the Dobson and Wallsend mines, Tons. Figure. tion has been maintained notwith- © © (2) an investigation to be made into standing that there has been practi- © © © © © © the sales of the State Mines Department and also why the coal out of the State Mines cannot be used by the Railways Shipping .. 476,268 .. 315,672 .. 227,521 116.25 98.89 103.03 cally no reduction in the average number of men employed at the State Alines. It is also submitted that it re- > < ■' Railways Department; (3? the cessafleets credit to the selling organisation © © tion of importations of coal at the Totals .. 1,019,461 107.34 of the Department, as it is well known © © present time when so many miners are that production is governed by the © © 1' < unemployed; and (4) the introduction 1930-31. sales, and I can assure you that the of a tax on crude oil. The allegations which were made Railways .. 433,004 .. 246,239 . . 239,788 105.69 77.14 108.58 sale of State coal is being pushed energetically and successfully by the offi- © © © © by some of the speakers that the sale of State coal throughout New Zealand was being neglected and that competitors were able to do better in obtainShipping Gasworks cers of the Department. It is recognised by our competitors that the of- © © © © © © Totals .. .. 919,031 96.77 fleers of the State Coal Alines are very active in their endeavours to secure ing orders have caused me some con-1931-32. orders and to maintain markets, and © © cern, and, in order that the position may be revealed fully, I have therefore periodical visits are made to different © © Railways .. 369,044 90.08 parts of the Dominion with that ob- © © had tabulated statistics relating to (a) the production of coal, men employed at, and idle time suffered' at the principal collieries in the Greymouth and Shipping Gasworks .. 176,811 .. 220,101 55.39 99.67 ject in view. In Wellington and Christchurch numerous agencies have been established at convenient points in those cities and suburbs where orders © © © © Totals .. 765,956 80.65 @ © Westport districts, (bi the consumpare taken for State coal and those agencies have greatly assisted the de; pots in their activities. At Gisborne there is an agency which is most active in securing substantial orders for State steam coal. One of the great difficulties that has to be contended with in the selling of Liverpool coal is that it is so friable that about twothirds of it is slack. If it were hard round coal, one of the greatest selling © © tion of coal by Railwajs, Gasworks, and other industries, and (c) sales of State coal over recent years. As to the production of coal, the statement, attached hereto and marked No. 1 shows the tonnage produced, the average number of men employed, and the number of idle days lost at the principal collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts.' As will be seen from Table No. 1 ft with one exception" there are more men employed at the Liverpool. Colliery than any other mine mentioned in the statement, and the time lost at four of the principal collieries is greater than that of the Liverpool colliery. Alaking a comparison between the years 1928 and 1932 it will be seen that the number of men employed at As will be seen from tne anoye figures, the consumption on the Railways for the year 1931-32 when compared with the years 1928-29 shows a decline of about ten per cent., shipping a decline of about 45 per cent., and gasworks less than half per cent. In reference to sales of State coal, the following is a statement of total sales of Liverpool and James coals, for the years ended Alareh 31, 1929, to 1933, also the relative index figure of each year, based on 1928-29 as 100: 1928-29. Index Tons. Figure. Liverpool .. .. 123,974 100 James . • • • 36,941 100 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © CO: S 1 -Si difficulties would disappear. It is difficulties of this nature which do not seem to be taken into account ■when the selling organisation is criticised. Again, as showing the decreasing market in New Zealand for coal, the following table giving the consumption of coal is illuminating:— Year. Tons Consumed. ♦°* *** © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © rt © § Tf * the Liverpool Aline is omy five jess in 1932 than was the case in 1928. Alaking a similar comparison with regard to the Dobson, Blackball, Millerton and Denniston mines shows that Liverpool James 1929-30. . .. 139,376 .. 43,410 112.42 117.51 1914 . . • . 2,853,684 1924 . . .. 2,757,690 1929 . . • ■ 2,751,520 1932 .. .. 1,945,497 a substantial reduction has b r m made 1930-31. in the number of men employed in the year 1932 when compared with the year 1928, but notwithstanding that, with one exception, those mines have Liverpool .. 124,324 .. 41,160 100.28 111.42 Consumption Population. per head. 1,140,172 .. .. 2.50 1.352,618 . • •. 2.04 James 1931-32. Production commenced lost more time than the Liverpool 87.07 December mine in 1932. Liverpool . .• 107,944 1,472,925 . • • • 1-86 1,526,115 .. 1-27 Blackball 119358 292 100 As it would- appear that the memJames ... 35,967 . 97.36 Millerton 167340 462 71 befs of the ' deputation were chiefly concerned over developments during 1932-33. Decrease per head since 1914, 1.23 tons. At the deputation allegations were made against the officers of the Alines Department and State Coal Alines without any previous attempts to verify the facts, and without having an intimate knowledge or experience in selling coal, and they have held up to public obloquy a body of men who are keenly and efficiently attending to the business of the Department, but who are unable to defend themselves. I must express my disappointment and regret that the speakers should have made such statements, which have been widely circulated by the Press throughout the Dominion, when it should have been obvious to them that the chief causes of the falling off of coal orders are the increasing limitations in the uses of coal as well as the abnormal trade conditions prevailing, which have affected other industries. and in some cases to a greater Denniston. Westport228558 513 16 the earlier part of this year the statement attached hereto and' marked No. 2 showing information similar to that of statement No. 1 has been compiled for the six monthly period ended June 30 1933, and for the previous years back to 1928. To better illustrate the position tables Nos. 3 and 4 have been prepared, showing the relative position in each year and in six monthly periods based on the 1928 figures and giving those figures an index figure ol 100. The statements and tables show that generally production increased in the years 1929 and 1930 and from then on fell away considerably., the decline being due to the decreased demand through the greater use of electricity and fuel oil for power, heating and lighting purposes and through the depression affecting industries and reducing the purchasing power of the public To illustrate this the consumption of coal has fallen from 2.50 tons per capita in 1914 to 1.27 tons per capita in 1932. Notwithstanding the general decrease in production and Liverpool .. • • 94,030 James .. • • 27,424 74.24 From reliable data in the possession of the Department it is manifest that the reduction in the sales of State coal as disclosed in the above table not only synchronises more or less but is less than the general reduction throughout the Dominion of coal consumed on a per capita basis dui ing the years specifiecLjn the above table. State coal is supplied to railways, shipping, gasworks, householders and steamusers and a. statement of the sales to these sections over the years 1928-29 to 1932-33 and the relative index figure based on 1928-29 as 100, is as follows: 1928-29. Index Tons. Figure. Railways . • • • 20,565 100 Stockton Colliery Liverpool James Dobson Wallsend Blackball Alillerton Denniston WestportStockton Colliery Liverpool James Dobson Wallsend 152884 294 37 1929 Tons Men Days Idle 137593 346 33 41592 80 23 139461 299 29 46316 141 3 Production commenced December 79845 230 103 203071 465 25 200399 507 22 151716 320 51 1930 Tons Men Days Idle 132550 334 35 42 9 S4 79 16 Shipping Gasworks 17,169 60,374 1UU 100 extent than the coal industry. A notable example of business lost right in 117386 311 66 62573 161 16 Householders 27,483 100 100 the heart of the Greymouth coalfield Steam-users 30,632 is that of the closing down recently Production co m m e n c cd number of men employed the tables 1929-30. of the steam power plant near Dobson. December show that with one exception the State which consumed about 5000 tons of Blackball 96076 301 44 Coal Alines have maintained' a higher Tons. Figure. James slack annually, and the replaceAlillerton 168185 450 71 level in both instances during the year ment thereof by the Arnold River Denniston JS7165 522 27 1932 and in the six months ended June .. 13,134 63.86 hydraulic electricity plant. Regarding Westport30, 1933, than its competitors. Shipping 20,511 119.46 the coal industry in general, the preStockton 152600 311 69 73,698 122.07 sent position throughout the Dominion DISTRICT COMPARISONS. Householders 34,360 125.02 is causing great anxiety to myself and Colliery 1931 As compared with 1928 the outputs Steam-users .. 32,211 105.15 the officers of the Mmes Department. It, like all businesses and industries Tons Alen Davs Idle from the State Mines in 1932. show 1930-31. is battling against great odds to seLiverpool that the Liverpool output decreased Railways 70.S0 52.57 108.14 102.03 121.39 cure and maintain markets and to give 120840 o47 by 24.48 per cent, and the James output by 22.78 per cent., the decreases by competitors being: Dobson 34.64 per cent., Blackball 64.88 per cent., Millerton 61.79 per cent., Denniston . . 14,561 employment to miners and others. .James 38iS<> 66432 288 103 Shipping 9,025 The causes for the present position Dobson Gasworks .. Householders . . 65,286 28,040 have already been referred to and are beyond the control of the Department. Wallsend 58861 173 41 Production commenced Steam-users 37,184 In respect to coal leases, it has been December 53 43 per cent., and Westport-Stockton 1931-32. recognised that there were too many 12171 47 148 3137 per cent. As to the average Index mines operating in the Dominion and Mil lerto n 71757 389 ' 167 number of men employed at the mines Tons Figure. too many engaged in the industry. 133762 487 101 the index figures for 1932 show that at the State mines practically the same Railways . . 19,257 93.64 66.72 92.76 88.33 74.27 and as a matter of Government policy I declared in the Alines Statement of WestportStockton 107536 306 113 number of men were employed as in Shipping 11,456 1931 that no more leases involving the 1928 whereas competing interests Gasworks . . 56,004 opening of new coal rights would be Colliery 1932 have in the main reduced the number Householders 24,275 granted unless in exceptional cases of their employees and in some cases Steam-users 22,750 and in isolated districts, which were Tons Men Days to a considerable extent. 19°,2-33 not served by existing mines, and this Idle It might have been expected that, Index policy is being carried out. It would Liverpool 98846 341 113 as the result of the number of the employees not having been reduced as much as our competitors, there would Tons Figure. be helpful to me if Members of Parliament representing coal mining disJames Dobson 30793 <9 90 63737 183 121 Railways 23,155 112.59 tricts and Chambers of Commerce Wallsend 49SS7 150 61 have been more idle time at the State Mines, but an' examination of the figures in this connection in statements Nos. 1 and 2 shows that such is Shipping Gasworks , . 6,639 52,769 ,. 23,354 38.67 87.40 84.98 39.52 would support me in maintaining this policy. Production commenced December Householders It is considered that the conference Steam-users 12,105 asked for would not result in any furBlackball 41922 69 76 not the case ,and the idle time is comparatively low in the circumstances. It appears that had the number of employees at the Stat.e Mines been reduced to the same extent as was done at most of the other mines in the Greymouth district, practically no idle time would have been suffered at the State Mines during 1932 for want of ther information being elicited than is Alillerton 63947 260 130 (Goal som to miners anu cutu, umyi than to Gasworks, in Greymouth district, are not included in the above figures). In the gasworks, household and steam sections increased sales over 1928- were obtained in the years 1929- and 1930-31 and a gradual falling off has taken place since. In adalready known, and as the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce has since interviewed the Chairman of the Railways Board and Chief Officers of the Railway Department with respect to Government orders for the collieries in the Greymouth district, it does appear to me that the proposed conference is not justified. Denniston 106410 4.‘. < WesrportStockton 104920 29<> lol No. 2. Statement showing outputs, average number of men employed, and idle tune (not including back Saturdays oi del s. ,. With regard to the consumption oi coal, it is well known to those who are engaged in the management of the coal industry that the increasing use of electricity and fuel oil has greatly dition to the abnormal conditions prevailing the decrease in the gas section may be accounted for by the replacing of horizontal retorts with vertical retorts and the greater use of non-swelling coals therein to counterNo. 1. Statement 'showing production, average number of men employed, and idle days (excluding back Saturand holidays) at collieries in the Greymouth and Westport districts lor the six months ended June 30 of each year from 1928 to 1933: — Colliery 1928. and other purposes and especially so act the swelling properties it iviverdays and holidays) at Collieries in the Tons Men Days for bituminous coals as produced in the Greymouth and Westport districts. Particularly is this noticeable in the demand by shipping companies pool coals, in the shipping ano steam •sections there has been a considerable decline in sales, and for the reasons stated herein previously. Greymouth and Westport districts, tor calendar years 1928 to 1932: — Colliery 1928 Liverpool James Dobson Idle G7748 374 26 19373 87 14 39376 245 .19 for bunker coal. The requirements ot The sales to itauways decreased conTons Men Days Wallsend 160 2o — coal for Railway purposes, gasmaking sideraniy in tne year increased since that year till 33 the sales are greater by per cent, than 1928-29. As IJllL Ilctvu in 1932over 12 to the Idle Blackball 58868 414 64 and ships’ bunkers constitute the greatest outlet for bituminous coals and the following statement gives the Liverpool 130881 346 61 I.James 39877 S3 17 1 Dobson 97524 264 34 Alillerton Denniston Westport- * 92051 464 25 117713 534 7 tonnages used by these services ovei Railway oruers ror state coar repreWallsend 308 24 Stackton 75161 294 17

Colliery 1929 Tons Men Days Idle Liverpool 62657 346 24 Janies 18142 75 16 Dobson 60810 287 0 Wallsentl 8677 99 15 Blackball 43037 245 48 Millerton 94601 462 22 Denniston 97602 517 16 WestportStockton. 68978 320 27 Colliery 1930 Tons Men Days Liverpool 66458 337 Idle 13 Janies 21078 83 9 Dobson 57344 298 2 2 Wallsend 33336 158 3 Blackball 46211 269 25 Millerton 105700 453 1.2 Denniston 82852 521 20 WestportStockton 88523 325 .18 Colliery 1931 Tons Men Days Liverpool 60859 339 Idle 23 Janies 18256 90 13 Dobson 45302 305 23 - Wallsend 33966 162 8 Blackball 5181 20 111 Millerton 52929 389 65 Denniston 77327 520 40 WestportStockton 63007 312 56 Colliery 1932. 'Pons Men Days ! ,i ve spool - 17614 351 Idle 53 Jam os 13746 81 46 Dobson 31221 189 57 Wallsend 27862 178 23 Blackball 21998 92 122 Millerton 24494 170 S3 43 Denniston 69022 480 WestportStockton 55023 298 68 Colliery 1933. Tons Men Davs Liverpool 49813 331 Idle 56 James 16096 82 41 Dobson 34067 1.79 59 Wallsend 26968 125 Blackball 19813 96 37 Millerton 14436 170 81 Denniston 61372 399 46 WestportStockton 53926 280 71

1929. Colliery. Production. Men Liverpool 105.13 100 J a me fl 104.30 96.39 Dobson 143.001 113.26 Wallsen-l 100 100 Blackball 66.89 78.77 Millerton 121.35 100.65 Denniston 87.68 98.83 Westport-St ockton 99.24 108.84

1930. Colliery. Production. Men. Liverpool 101.27 9(5.53 James 10(5.04 95.18 Dobson 120.37 117.80 Wai Ise ml 135.10 114.1S Blackball 80.49 103.08 Millerton 100.50 97.40 Denniston 81.S9 101.75 Westport Stockton 09.82 105.78

■ 1931. Colliery. . . Production.. Men. Liverpool 92.33 100.29 James 97.2G 95.18 Dobson GS.12 109.09 Wall send 127.09 122.69 Blackball 10.20 16.10 Millerton 42.SS 84.20 Denniston 58.52 94.93 Westport-Stockton 70.34 1932. 104.08 Colliery. Production. Men. Liverpool 75.52 98.55 James 72.22 95.18 Dobson 65.36 69.32 lVall.se ml 107.71 106.38 Blackball 35.12 23.63 Millerton 38.21 56.28 Denniston 4G. 5 7 83.24 West nort-Stockton G8.63 98.6-1

Colliery. Output. Men. Liverpool 100 100 Janies 100 100 Dobson 100 100 * WalJsend — Blackball 100. 100 Millerton .100 . 100 Denniston 100 100 W e s tpor t -S to c k to n 100. 100 192'>. Colliery. Output. Men. Liverpool 92.48 92.51 Janies 93.64 86.20 Dobson .154.43 117.14 * Wall send 59.17 Blackball 73.09 Millerton 102.77 99.56 Denniston 82.91. 96.81 We s t p o rt- S t o c k t o n 91.77 10S.84 ’"Wallsend. mine did not reach full production stage until the second hall of 1929. 1930. Colliery Output. Men. Liverpool 98.00 90.10 James 108.80 95.40 Dobson 1-15.62 121.63 Wallsend 1.00 100 Blackball 7S.53 64.97 Millerton 114.82 97.62 Denniston 7O.3S 97.56 W c s t p or t- S t o c k t o n 117.77 112.24 1931. Colliery - Output. Men. Liverpool 89.83 90.64 James 94.23 103.33 Dobson 115.04 124.49 Wallsend 101.88 102.55 Blackball 8.80 4.83 Millerton 57.49 83.83 97.37 Denniston 65.69 W e s t.p or t-S toe k to n S3 106.12 1932. Colliery Output. Men. Liverpool Janies 70.28 70.95 93.S5 93.10 Dobson 79.28 77.14 Wallsend S3.32 112.65 Blackball 37.36 22.22 Millerton 2G.60 36.63 Denniston 58.63 89.88 Westport-Stockton 73.20 101.36

1933. Colliery. Output... Liverpool 73.52 88.50 Janies 83.08 94.25 Dobson. 86.49 73.06 Wallsend 80.89 79.11 Blackball 33.70 23.18 Millerton 15.68 36.63 Denniston ” 52.13 74.72 Westport-Stockton 71.74 95.23