COAL SHORTAGE IN WAIKATO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24896, 21 April 1942, Page 4

COAL SHORTAGE IN WAIKATO

MINE OUTPUT INSUFFICIENT (Special) AUCKLAND, Apl. 20. There is a severe shortage of coal for domestic use in Hamilton, owing to the inability of the Waikato collieries to furnish sufficient supplies to meet requirements. Dealers are strictly rationing their customers, who are able to secure only one bag at a time, and have frequently to wait for days before they can get even that amount. A conference was recently held between representatives of the collieries and the employees with a view to stepping up production, and was adjourned to give those concerned an opportunity to improve the position. With coal in short supply during the summer and autumn 'months, a good deal of anxiety is felt concerning the prospects for the winter, when the demand for coal for electrical steam plants, dairy factories, and domestic use will greatly increase. The representative of a large consumer of coal attributed the shortage to the fact that the miners were not working as they used to. He stated that there were now more miners employed than ever there were, but production was less. The short working hours observed by the miners and absenteeism were stated to be among the principal factors responsible for the present unsatisfactory state of affairs It was pointed out that coal mining was an essential industry, with miners exempted from military service, and it was contended that an exhaustive inquiry should be made with a view to bringing about an improvement in production and supply.