COAL DISTRIBUTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18321, 11 August 1921, Page 6

COAL DISTRIBUTION

RESTRICTIONS REMOVED. COAL TRADE COMMITTEES ABOLISHED. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 10. The Hon. H. D. Guthrie, Acting-Minister of Coal Trade Control, has announced, that Cabinet has decided to lift the restrictions on the distribution of coal throughout the dominion. This will mean the abolition of the honorary Goal Trade Committees in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, together with the branches and the Coal Control Department in Wellington. The Government had to take the earliest opportunity of closing down the deportment in view of the necessity of effecting administration economies wherever possible. Supplies are now so plentiful as to enable the Government to withdraw restrictions on the delivery of coal within the dominion os from September 1. The Government Firewood Department will be transferred to the Mines Department, and worked in conjunction with the State Coal Depot. ' The improved position has not been brought about by any material increase in the outputs of the dominion mines, but mainly by the large increase in importations, amounting approximately to 240,000 tons for the first six months of the year. In addition, owing to the general economic conditions, the demand has_ decreased, especially regarding the bunkering of overseas steamers. The mildness of the winter has also reduced the demand for household coal Local yards are mostly well stocked. The commonwealth authorities have algp lifted the embargo on the export of coal to Now Zealand, consequently the dominion is in a sufficiently safe position to justify the action it has taken. Since the shortage first became serious at the end of 1916 to the beginning of the present year, the coal position has been causing the gravest concern, and had not substantial increases in importation taken place, with efficient distribution to counteract the persistent falling off in the dominion output, there is not the slightest doubt that severe financial loss would have resulted with consequent unemployment and distress. '