SHORT COAL OUTPUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 14

SHORT COAL OUTPUT

Various accounts have been given in the last day or two of the coal supply position on behalf of the mine owners and the miners, and by the Minister of Mines. The public may not be deeply interested in these attempts to shift the onus, but certain facts have emerged from the discussion that are of general concern. It is admitted by all three parties that while New Zealand possesses ample coal resources and ample labour to get the coal out, supplies are short and increasing quantities have to be imported. This necessity is deplorable because, as Mr. Webb recently pointed out to miners at Huntly, "Every extra ton of coal that we are obliged to import from overseas represents a distinct shrinkage in our sterling funds." So far this year the increase of imports has amounted to about 25 per cent on previous years, at the very time when the Government has been forced to place severe restrictions on other desirable and often necessary classes of imports. The coal industry should not allow this avoidable drain on the dwindling exchange pool to continue. The Government has asked for increased production and it should be prepared —it certainly is capable—of pulling its weight. Mr. Nash has more than enough financial distractions without having to find funds to make good the deficiencies of the industry. Mr. "Webb has a duty to Mr. Nash to see that the position is improved. He also represents the national interest and the long-suffering consumer. His record at the Ministry of Mines has been good and, in the particular case of coal, has improved conditions for both owners and miners. He has a right to expect a practical response when he asks for an increase in output to fill the country's need and, if the response is absent, to take the necessary remedial action.