MUNITIONS AND SUPPLIES.

Northern Advocate, 3 June 1918, Page 3

MUNITIONS AND SUPPLIES.

SHORTAGE OF COAL

STATEMENT BY.HON. A. MYERS,

WELLINGTON, June 1. The Hon. Arthur M. Myers (Mm

ister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies), when-approached by a "Tiftires'.' representative with regard to the activities of his department, that contracts were now current for most of the bulk lines required, and

that these contrarts were being satis-

factorily handled by the parties concerned. Those familiar with markets for merchandise under'existing

conditions would . appreciate, no

doubt, that his .department was experiencing the difficulties which now confront • those who are engaged in purchasing suitable articles at rea-

sonable prices. However, the business organisation which had been set up entabled him and his advisers to take advantage of every opportunity which opened before, the department. REQUIREMENTS FOR 1918.

:: Up to date (said Mr Myers) business approximating four millions

sterling has been conducted by the department in connection with the supplies for military purposes. As regards requirements for the calendar year 1918, the position is as under:—Cabinet authoritised the ex-

penditure of £1,300,000

Of this

suni, business to the value of £682,G64 has been placed, made up follows :— £ Auckland 129,142 Wellington 296,678 Canterbury .... 116,683 Otago ...-..' 140,161 THE COAL POSITION. As regards the coal position, the Minister stated that, although he was faced this year with the fact that a somewhat reduced amount of hard coal was available, fortunately the lignite output had eased the position; circumstances being such as to find a ready market for lignite supplies, and consequently had been been able in many localities, to divert hard coal, hitherto used by householders, for steam raising purppses.

"It will be realised (he added) that in normal times the output of hard coal in New Zealand has never been sufficient to meet the full demands of the Dominion. For instance, in 1916, we had available 1,716,000 tons of hard coal. This was made up of "1,422.000 tons of New Zealand West Coast loal, plus 294,000 tons of Newcastle. In 1917 we had available 1,385,000 tons of hard coal, which was made up of 1421,000 tons of New Zealand "West Goast coal, and 264,000 tons of Newcastle coal. From this it will be gathered that the amount of hard coal available receded by 330,000 tons, which is equivalent to a shortage of 23 per cent, for 1917 as against 1916. NEED FOR STRICT ECONOMY. , "As regards stocks held, the figii.res. collected by. the Government Statistician indicate the following position, which speaks for itself, and should reveal to those interested the necessity which exists for everyone concerned exercising the strictest economy in the use of hard coal as a fuel:— Tons. July 31, 1917 216,987 October 31, 1917 ... 191,249 January 31, 1918 ... 178,192 August 30, 1918 151,866

"Although the department have naturally many difficulties to overcome in carrying out directions with regard to the distribution of coal supplies, it is satisfactory to state that practically no complaints have been made which have not been adjusted, thus indicating that those who are affected are accepting the situation in a patriotic spirit.

PRIORITY PERMITS. "As regards priority permits, the department to date had dealt with 6366 applications involving orders to the value of 2,974,150. At the present time there are 26 orders ready for certification, and 30 orders under consideration." "TRADE WITH U.S.A.

The prolonging of the war naturally created conditions under which it is difficult for the deparement to make successful representations in regard to all matters which have been brought before the Minister, but, having regard to the extraordinary conditions, he was pleased to state that on the whole very satisfactory results have so far been achieved. At the moment, important communications were, being exchanged between the Imperial aur thorities and the New Zealand Government in regard to the trade between the United States of America and the Dominion. The negotiations were not yet complete but the Minister hoped to be able at an early date to make some announcement in regard to t]iq. matter.