SLOW RECUPERATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26233, 17 August 1946, Page 7

SLOW RECUPERATION

INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA EFFECT OF COAL SHORTAGE (From C. R. Mentiplay, N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) SYDNEY, Aug. 16. To-day, 12 months after the ceasefire sounded, terminating World War 11, Australians are remembering with some bitterness the hopes and selfpromises of a year ago. Nobody thought it would be an easy return to normal, but the war was won, and the future assured. In a few months there would be a vast difference, and from then on there would be normality, even prosperity and plenty. That promise has not been fulfilled. Virtual Paralysis Australian industry, facing the brightest future in its history, is paralysed by lack of coal, and by the industrial lawlessness which breaks out time and again in new and more dangerous forms. The reconversion of war factories has gone forward apace, aided by capital from overseas firms who see opportunities in Eastern markets. The chaos in the coal fields has nullified progress. There is not enough coal for transport or power. Works which opened months ago well prepared for production are now closing because of fuel or labour troubles. Markets have been lost and customers turned away because of the attitude of the militant groups of workers who have been allowed to dictate their terms to the Australian community and foreign Powers alike. Unfortunate Tendencies In Sydney there have been other significant trends—records in crime, road accidents, divorce figures, unexplainable shortages in commodities which are purchasable at fantastic figures in the black market, and shortage of housing, traceable to unpreparedness for peace. The food position is sound, though there are severe shortages of canned goods and biscuits. Clothing is in shorter supply than 12 months ago, particularly men’s suitings and women’s everyday frocks.' Paradoxically, the shops are full of expensive dress accessories and stylish evening wear.

Tobacco, cigarettes, and beer are all in the same anomalous position—there is plenty on paper, but nobody knows where it goes. You still queue for an occasional packet of cigarettes, and you are unlikely to get bottled beer unless you are a favoured client, and you have little chance of obtaining cigarette papers, no matter what your influence. With building halted by lack of transport, the housing position is worse than ever. Workers Changing Jobs In the transport field only air travel has improved. More people are working, but there is an increasing tendency on the part of many to change jobs at frequent intervals. The soldier settlement scheme has been slow in starting, and other aspects of the rehabilitation plans are not operating at the highest efficiency. On the credit side are the operation of the remarkably swift demobilisation system, the introduction of Parliamentary broadcasting, continuance of the determined effort to keep prices down by rigid controls and promise of industrial expansion. Australia seems prepared to meet the future halfway if only some formula can be fouryj to convince all Australians that -TTfeir paths lie in the same direction.