NEW ZEALAND COAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND COAL.

EXTENSION OF ITS USE. A WEST COAST DEPUTATION. WELLINGTON, September 24. The necessity for extending the use of New Zealand coal in the Dominion and of placing an embargo on importations was represented to the Government today. when a widely representative deputation from the West Coast impressed on the Acting Prime Minister (Mr E. A. Ransom) the seriousness of the coal question, not only as it affects Greymouth and the surrounding districts, but the whole of the Dominion. Mr Ransom replied that the Government did not wish to impose an embargo hastily without first of all considering the possible adverse effect on the country of retaliation in respect to other commodities. The Government was doing all it could to encourage the use of greater quantities of New Zealand coal in the Dominion.

The deputation was introduced by Air J. O’Brien, M.P., and Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, also spoke. The latter specially urged in regard to reductions in the coal orders of the railways that whatever curtailments were made they should be spread over a long period in order to prevent sudden dislocation. He said it was unfortunate that six months’ notice must be given of the terminating of the reciprocal arrangement with Australia, and he urged the Government to lose no time in giving that notice.

The chief speaker was Mr Greenelade, Mayor of Greymouth, who said that the question was a national one, and he thought it advisable to call all the parties together to see if a better basis of coal utilisation could be brought about. He suggested that something should be done to assist the industry. The other speakers were Messrs W. P. Endean. M.P., M‘Lean (chairman of the Grey Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce), Mulcare (representing the Grey County Council), Parfitt (representing the Grey Power Board), M'Taggart (Mayor of Runanga), Davis (representing the mine owners), Smeaton (Mayor of Brunner), and a few more. The Minister of Railways (Mr W. A. Veitch) said the Railways Department would do everything it could to relieve the position as soon as possible, and a determined and consistent effort would be made to reach the ideal point of 100 per cent, consumption of New Zealand coal On the railways. To Mr Al'Lean he replied stating that no Australian orders were pending, and that there were no contracts in existence. It was not proposed to import coal from Australia for the railways. The Minister of Mines (Mr A. J. Murdoch) said that they were endeavouring to gain the co-operation of all users of imported coal to induce them to use New Zealand coal, and were approaching the gas companies.. Importation. Department was also declining to issue further leases. The officers of the department would be instructed to use their utmost endeavours to induce the use of New' Zealand coal in industry and homes.