OPINIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT GEOLOGIST.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 22 May 1919, Page 7

OPINIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT GEOLOGIST.

i WELLINGTON, May 22. Before the Industries Committee today an important statement was made by P. J. Morgan, Director of Geological Survey, with regard to the coal resources of the Dominion. His estimate of the coal supply is not reassuring. The present yearly production of coal in New Zealand i s about 2,000,000 tons, and tout for the war it might have 'been 2,500,000 tons in 1918. If all probable coal actually existed and could be mined, half the coal supply would last a little over 77 years, but all would be exhausted in 155 years. The coal supply of New was inadequate for future generations, and a vigorous prospecting policy was necessary if we were to build up industry in the country. A detailed geological survey, followed by extensive boring, must be done, and by the Government. The cost could suit-! ably be met by a levy on the coal produced. The cost of prospecting ought to b e refunded by the owner of the coal. A very substantial practical reason for State nationalisation of the coal mines was that legislation was necessary to prevent owners of coal-bearing land from exacting exorbitant royalties. The shortage of men contributed to the coal famine, and greater inducements should be offered. Mr Morgan supported the purchase of the State colliery. The Government would not be justified in working the Puponga mine, now idle, in his opinion, but he would make further en-quih-ies.,