STILL DELAYED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25053, 17 November 1944, Page 4

STILL DELAYED

WEST COAST COAL GAS SUPPLY OUTLOOK Stormy weather and rough conditions on the bar prevented the Kaimiro from leaving Greymouth yesterday. It had been hoped that the vessel would be able to sail in the morning, but she was still held up late last night. The Kaimiro, which has been barbound since Monday, is carrying 2000 tons of coal for the Auckland Gas Company. The company's supply of coal is not good at present and further stocks will be needed at the start of next week if difficulties in the gas service are to be avoided. About 345 tons were made available from the Kartigi yesterday and another 500 tons are scheduled to go to the gas works today from the Kakepo. The Karepo and the Kartigi are due to load at Grevmouth and Westport respectively on Monday. Both are expected to bring coal for the Auckland gas works. Concern at tho present conditions oii the West Coast is being felt by Auckland industries which use southern coal. The experiences of the last few months indicate that, with the coal miners' holiday period Approaching, deliveries from the West Coast will have to improve considerably before Christmas if difficulties are to' be avoided. The gas works alone will require 7000 tons of coal on hand by December 24, to last through the holidays, and there are no reserves at present. Several other important industrial consumers, who had hoped to build up their stocks, are similarly placed. For several industries, such as dairy factories and freezing works, the next few months represent a peak period, during which they require to be assured of adequate coal stocks. The dairy factories and freezing works use Waikato slack coal, supplies of which have not been plentiful during the last few months.