N.Z. COAL RATIONING

Grey River Argus, 2 February 1944, Page 4

N.Z. COAL RATIONING

MR. O’BRIEN’S REASSURANCE. p.A. DUNEDIN, Feb. 1. “The present indications are that the coal situation will not become worse, and that, under a rationing system, sufficient supplies can be distributed to see the industrial consumers through,” stated Hon. J. O’Brien, prior to his leaving Dunedin to-day. N.S.W. PRODUCTION DROP. SYDNEY. Feb. 1. Coal production in New South Wales, last year was about 732,000 tons less than in 1942: the 1942 production was more than 12,000,000 tons, it has been announced by the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner (Mr. N. R. Mighell), who said that, coal was a most important requirement to ensure the defeat of the Japanese, who treated Allied prisoners of war so atrociously. The slogan of the industry should be: “Coal for the release of the Eighth Division.” Troubles over meat-rationing and protests against the use of machines in miiies all seem trivial compared with the latest evidence of the treatment of Allied prisoners.

Before Mr. G. G. Chisholm, S.M., in the Children’s Court at Greymouth yesterday, two boys were charged with interfering with a parked motor lorry in a public thoroughfare. It was sia f ed that .seven gallons of petrol had been drained away by the boys, who were admonished and discharged. and ordered to make good the value of the petrol.

Men’s Sports Coats for 60/- each. Sold elsewhere at 80/-. Arrived too late for Christmas. Shades dark blue, red and green shades. Post free.—H. Hamer. Kumara.—Advt.

The Slab Hut Creek dredge return for the week ended January 2b was 82 ounces from 18,300 yards in 119 hours. For- the week ended January 29, Associated Gold Dredges (N.Z.) Ltd’s, returns totalled 170 ozs. from 96 450 . yards in 365 dredging hours. The Gillespie’s Beach washup for the week ended January 29 was 48ozs. from 10,824 cub’c yards ’n 114 hours. The return from the Blackball Creek dredge was 66ozs for 178 hours.