11 N.S.W. MINES IDLE

Grey River Argus, 18 August 1944, Page 6

11 N.S.W. MINES IDLE

GENERAL FUEL RATIONING NOW CERTAIN

(Rec 10.30,) CANBERRA Aug. 18 Australia’s coal position has become so serious that early fuel rationing is regarded as inevitable. The plans are believed to include drastic cuts in services, the rationing of domestic gas and electricity, th e closing down of some industries, and the skeleton operation of other industries. The Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin, is understood to have instructed the Supply Minister, Mr. Beasley and the Commonwealth Coal Commissioner, Mr. Mighell, that if they believe that rationing is necessary, they shall introduce such a scheme without any regard for any effect that it might have on the referendum next Saturday. This threat of earl action was increased to-day when thirteen of the mines were idle, with a loss of more than fourteen thousand tons of w-i. Nearly four thosand miners were not working. Stoppages this week have meant a loss of forty-five thousand tons of coal.