COAL GLUT.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1921, Page 1

COAL GLUT.

all RESTRICTIONS REMOVED. [ilY TEEEG It A PH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Migust 10. Mon. .Mi- Gifthrio. Acting Minister for Coa| Trade Control, lias announced that Cabinet has decided to lift the restrictions on th ( > distribution of coal throughout the Dominion. !'h is will mban the abolition of the nonorary Coal Trade Committees nf> Auckland Christchurch, Duned'in and Wellington, together with the branches and the Coal Department at 'Wellington, lfc said the Government had to take the earliesjt opportunity of closing down the Department, in view of tlm necessity of effecting administration of economies wherever possible. Coal supplies are now so plentiful as to enable the Government to withdraw all restrictions on the delivery ol coal within the Dominion as from September Dt. The Government Firewood Department will be transferred to the Mines Department, and will lie woM-md in conjunction with the State Coal Depot. The improved position ns to supplies is not brought about by any increase in the outputs in the Dominion mines. Mainly it is due to the large increase in the importations. Tim amount of increased import.-- i ap|)roxirnatedv 240,000 tons for ! first six months of the year. Tn addition. owing to the generally stringent economic conditions, the oemand has decreased, especially regarding th,. bunkering coal for oversea steamers. The mildness of the winter ha-j aln-* dncod the demand for household eo 'l The local yards are mostlv well stocked. The Commonwealth authorities ha'-'-now lifted the embargo on fhe exnort of coal to New Zealand. Consequently the Dominion is in a. uitli-ienlD safe position to justify the " taken. The Ministers says that sin.ee a shortage first became serious a' end of lfilfi. to the beerinnin"- of - the preisent year, the coal posiM.ru bad been causing the gravest concern. Dad not tbe substantial increases in the importations taken place with efficient distribution to counteract a persiste-’ falling-off in tbe Dominion output, ho added there was not tbe slight 'st doubt that severe financial loss would have resulted, and consequent unemployment distress.