CEMENT SHORTAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10816, 4 February 1921, Page 5

CEMENT SHORTAGE

DEGREASED COAL OUTPUT SERIOUS EFFECT ON IMPORTANT INDUSTRY. DIFFICULTIES RENEWED. In. connection with yesterday’s negotiations regarding the settling of the mining dispute, it is understood that an important point was introduced in the course of the proceedings between the Miners’ Federation and the CoaJ Mine Owners’ Association. The continuance of the “go-slow” policy adopted by the miners would, it was pointed out, ha ve a very serious effect on the production of cement throughout New Zealand, and this would have materially interfered with house-building and other important constructive works now proceeding in the Dominion. It was, for instance, represented that tlie dosing down of the Kiripaika mine would have seriously affected the production of cement in the North Island as Wilson’s cement works derive practically all their coal from this source. Had the “go-slow” policy been continued indefinitely the production of cement must, therefore, have been considerably reduced: while if the mine had been closed, it is more than probable that the oement works would have been compelled to dose down. Much the same position existed in the South Island, where the Miliburn Lime and Cement Company wouldi have been similarly affected by the continuation of the “go-slow” policy in the Kaatangata mine. It is understood that representations were made to the effect that unless a regular supply of ooal could be guaranteed the Milburn lime and cement works wouldi have to be closed down; and, in any case, owing to the small quantities of coal in hand the company oould not have carried on operations for much more than a week. The details of the position a® abovedescribed were, it is stated, raid before the Miners’ Federation, the Coal Mine Owners’ Association, the Prime Minister, the Coal Control Committee, and the Board "of Trade. As the result of the negotiations which were conducted yesterday, it is understood that normal production is now to continue, and that an increased production of cement mav therefore be looked forward to; so that an impetus will be given to house-building and many other important constructional works throughout the Dominion.