COAL OUTPUT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 216, 10 August 1940, Page 6

COAL OUTPUT.

INCREASED PRODUCTION. MINISTER’S REVIEW. ' Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Aug. 91 Gratification at the increased production of coal; especially during the past three or four months, was expressed by the Minister of Mines (Hon. P. C. Webb), m an interview to-night. “In May. last,” said Mr Webb, “I made a statement to the effect that the productive capacity of our collieries was adequate to fulfil, the industrial, transport, and domestic needs of the community and . that, with real co-op-eration and earnest endeavour on the part of all engaged in industry, I .was confident our problems would soon ne overcome. There is no need for me to go back over the factors which caused the temporary shortage of coal on the eve of winter. . ‘ “I am very pleased to say that the position now is that notwithstanding a very unfavourable start caused by floods and : slips in February and March, the leeway has been picked up and production accelerated 60 rapidly that the output is now at least 70.000 tons higher than ‘.last year. Furthermore, the tide of imports and exports has turned in our favour, coal now being available from the Newcastle mines. Although there are problems still ahead, they are in the main minor ones compared with those during the past few months. We have been planning to secure a balanced production throughput the year as far as practicable-, to achieve greater efficiency in the industry, and to eliminate waste, and Very good progress is being made. We are also desirous of restricting the importations of Australian f coal to a minimum and to rely as nearly' as possible on native coal for our internal requirements. ~ “During the coming summer period it. is intended to build up reserve stocks of coal suitable for storing,” added Mr Webb. “I have just received a report on the progress made at the two new State collieries at Mangapehi and Tatu, where officials and men are doing wonderful work. The Mangapehi Colliery is now producing - over 300. tons weekly from a staff of 19 men. At the Tatu colliery 100 tons weekly are being produced.”