Minister Forecasts Higher Coal Output

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 125, 30 May 1944, Page 5

Minister Forecasts Higher Coal Output

Reply to Coalowners* Statements (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May S 9. The progress made with the development of open-cast mining in New Zealand in an endeavour to meet the phenomenal demand for coal was discussed by Hon. P. C. Webb to-night. Figures showing the increased consumption of co&l were given by the Minister who said that since 1936 the amount used by gasworks had increased 30 per cent., while that required for the production of hydro-electric power had increased 862 per cent. The consumption of coal by the railways had increased 50 per cent, that by meat ireezing worxs 44 per cent., Urns and cement works 61 per cent., and miscellaneous industries 63 per cent. In addition to these increases the mines had to meet an annual demand of approximately 100,000 tons for military camps, hospitals and institutions. Wince early in 1943 no coal whatever had been received from Newcastle, Australia. The Minister referred to two statements by the Coalmine Owners’ Association. 4 ‘ The coalmine owners claim that there has been no juggling of figures on their part,” said Mr. Uebb. “yet I consider their statement that there is a possibility of a reduction of 300,000 ions in coal production this year simply fantastic and absurd. As a matter of fact the indications are that there is more likely to be an increase of that tonnage rather than a reduction.

“it is obvious that the five coiieries where the output, allowing for tonnage lost during the go-slow period at the Liverpool and Strongman mines and notwithstanding substantial development work being carried out in all the State Collieries, has up to now shown an increase of 2 per cent, on last year. “It is true that the output from the Westport Coal Company and Stockton collieries for the first iour months of this year has increased by 21,249 tons. The inference drawn from the mineowners’ statement is that this drop in output was caused almost wholly by absenteeism and other causes attributable to miners. Actually the principal cause was the working conditions of these coiieries not lending themselves to the maintenance of the same output as previously. At Denniston and Stockton there is a definite shortage of working places due to inadequate development v.ork by private colliery owners, and it is simply not possible to obtain the same output from these mines on that account. 1 *

Discussing the question of absenteeism, Mr. Yvebo said the official figures released by the Ministry of Fuel iu England for 1943 revealed that voluntary absenteeism at the coal faco amounted to 6.1 per cent, and involuntary absenteeism among the same workers was 9.0 per cent. The New Zealand figures for the past 48 weeks (the only records available) in respect of the 25 principal collieries was 4.9 per cent, and 9.3 per cent, for voluntary and involuntary absenteeism respectively for employees at the coal face. The comparative figures for other workers in the collieries were as follow: Voluntary absenteeism, 4.9 per cent, in England and 3.5 per cent., in New Zealand; involuntary absenteeism, 7.5 per cent, in England and 6.8 per cent, in New Zealand.

“Though I make no attempt to justify absenteeism of a voluntary nature it is clear from the above figures that the general position here is better than in England,** said the Minister. “It should also be remembered that every country in the world to-day is faced with a coal problem and few if any of them have been able to maintain production during the war period whereas in New Zealand production has increased each year and there is not the slightest doubt that the output for this year will set a new record in the history of the Dominion.” The present and future policy of the Mines Department in regard to future coal development was also discussed by Mr. Webb. “I have every reason to believe, * * he said, 4 4 that the continuous annual increase in coal production that the mines of this country have been responsible for will be exceeded this year. From open-cast mining alone within the next six weeks or two months my Department feels justified in stating that over 2000 tons of coal alone will be produced daily. ”