STATE COAL MINES.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13931, 13 July 1917, Page 3

STATE COAL MINES.

NOT FOR SALE. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT, "? """"—• (Far Frtll Allocation.) WELLINGTON, July 12. In the House of Representatives yesterday, replying to questions, the Minister of Mines (Hon. W. D. S. Mac.Donalil) said the State Coal Mines Department, had been investigating coal areas in the north with a view to extending operations, but so far nothing practical had been done. The geological staff had been reduced to one man owing to

enlistments- in the Expeditionary Forces. The work of the department, therefore, was considerably delayed. There had been an inquiry from,a syndicate regarding the purchase of the State coal mine, but he informed the syndicate that the State mine was not for sale. Negotiations to give a further supply of State coal

to the public had been considerably \ hampered by lack of transport, The mine had been idle for the last two days, owing to the bins being full and no steamers being available to tak« the coal away,