GAS COAL SUPPLY

Grey River Argus, 7 November 1938, Page 11

GAS COAL SUPPLY

All From N.Z. Mines MR WEBB’S OBJECTIVE. CHRISTCHURCH, November 6. . An effort will be made shortly, under the direction of the Minister of Mings,- Hon: P. Ci Webb, to ensure that there are adequate supplies of all of:the gas-producing coal which New Zealand needs. This, he said, would eliminate importations from Australia altogether. In an interview to-day, Mr Webb announced his intention to call a conference soon to consider the whole question'of the Dominion’s coal supplies. The Minister said he, was de? lighted with the generous response to his previous appeals to the gas producers, and in some cases the gas producers were now using 30 per cent, more of New Zealand coal. This, had an immediate effect on the West Coast mines. • . ■ -?

■' “It is ridiculous,”, said Mr Webl), “to liavd coal coming from Australia that could be produced here. I will expect the co-operation of the coal industry, particularly the producers of gas coal, in the effort to supply all of the coal that-the -country-needs.”