N.Z. COAL SUPPLIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6154, 11 August 1921, Page 5

N.Z. COAL SUPPLIES.

RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION LIFTED. COAL CONTROL TO BE ABOLISHED. WELLINGTON, Aug. 10. The Hon. Mr. Guthrie, Acting Minister of Coal Trade Control, says that Cabinet has decided to lift the restrictions on the distribution of coal throughout New Zealand. This will mean the abolition of the honorary Coal Trade committees in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, together with the branches and Coal Control Department, Wellington. The Government had taken the earliest opportunity of closing down the depai’tment with a view to the necessity of effecting administration economics wherever possible. Supplies are now so plentiful as to enable the Government- to withdraw restrictions as to the delivery of coal within the Dominion as from September I. . The Government firewood depot will be transferred to the Alines Department and worked in conjunction with the State Coal depot. The improved position has not been brought about by any material increase in the outputs of the Dominion mines, but was mainly due to the large increase in importations, iimounting approximately to 240,000 tons for the first six months of the year. In addition, owing to the general economic conditions the demand has decreased, especially regarding bunkering overseas steamers. £be mildness of the winter has also reduced the demand for household coal, and local yards are mostly well stocked. The Commonwealth authorities have also lifted the embargo on the export of coal to New Zealand, and consequently the Dominion is in a sufficiently safe position to justify the action taken. Since the shortage first became serious at the end' oi' 1916 to the beginning of the present year, the coal position has been causing the gravest concern. Had not substantial increases in the importations taken place, with efficient distribution to counteract the persistent falling-off in the Dominion output, there was not the slightest doubt a severe financial loss would have resulted consequent upon the unemployment distress.—< P.A.