MATCH SUPPLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 9

MATCH SUPPLY

DOMINION'S NEEDS

LOCAL PRODUCTION EXPECTATION NOT : REALISED [by TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday "It is anticipated that by the end of 1940, provided supplies of raw material are available, New Zealand will be producing its own supply of matches," says .the annual report of the Department of Industries and Commerce which has been presented in the House of Representatives. The report refers to the restriction of the imports of matches under the import control regulations and states that arrangements were made with the local industry to increase production so that the whole of the New Zealand demand could be catered for. "Considerable increases in production have been made owing to the cooperation of the manufacturers," the report continues. "Arrangements were made for the duplication of the plant for the manufacture of wooden matches, but delays in the supply of equipment arising out of war conditions have impeded the duplication of output which was expected to be effective by the middle of 1940. Some difficulty has been experienced in obtaining suitable labour. "Some agitation was raised in regard to shortage of matches, but fit appears that this shortage has been accentuated by hoarding and possibly faulty distribution," the report adds. "Additional imports had to be allowed to maintain supplies 09 the market." SEARCH FOE OIL AN OPTIMISTIC MINISTER [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] "WELLINGTON, Thursday "I am optimistic enough to believe that we will have a shower of oil in this country before we are much older," said the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, during consideration of the estimates of the Mines Department in the House to-night. Details were given by the Minister of boring operations for oil and geophysical and geological survey work being carried out on the east coast, in Taranaki, on the west coast of the South Island and in the Manawatu. Replying to Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition —Riccarton), who asked if there was any likelihood of oil being found in New Zealand on a commercial basis, the Minister said he could not say if. oil would be found, but the prospects were very good. An enormous amount of money, well over £1,000,000, had been spent in the search for oil. The big oil companies which were operating in New Zealand-would not be spending money if the prospects were not . bright. The best brains and plant were at the service of the Dominion. PETROL RESTRICTIONS RESELLERS' DIFFICULTIES [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday "The emergency restrictions on motor spirits, reducing consumption to approximately 6,000,000 gallons a month, are having serious effects on resellers, who report reductions in-turn-over varying from 25 per cent to 33 1-3 per cent," says the annual report of the Department of - Industries and Commerce, which has been presented to Parliament. "Some petrol resellers report that they are finding it difficult to carry on, the report continues, "and notification has been received from several that they propose to suspend operations in connection with the petrol side of their business during the period of the restrictions. This is one of the problems involved in the coming year's administration."