INCREASE NOTED

Southland Times, Issue 22732, 7 November 1935, Page 6

INCREASE NOTED

COAL AND GOLD PROGRESS OF INDUSTRIES REVIEWED ACTIVITY INCREASING (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, November 6. A review of the coal and gold mining activity in New Zealand in the last four years, was given by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, in an address at Culverden. Mr Forbes showed that there had been an increase of 200,000 tons; in coal production last year, and of £659,090 in gold production since 1931. Many complaints were made about the state of the New Zealand coal industry, said 'Mr Forbes. It was said that hydro-electric development was lessening the need for coal and that the number of men employed was continually decreasing Actually there was now an upward movement in the consumption of coal. The annual amount of production of coal in New Zealand since 1931 had been: Tons. 1931 2,157,756 1932 1,842,022 1933 1,821,258 1934 2,060,315 The peak production for New Zealand was 2,547,092 tons in 1930. Imports of coal into New Zealand since 1931 had been:— Tons 1931 179,060 1932 103,531 1933 99,272 1934 100,715 The Government’s policy had been to use New Zealand coal wherever possible. The Railways Department was now a 100 per cent, user of New Zealand coal and every effort was made by the Mines Department to induce gas companies and users of steam to adopt a similar practice. To-day gold was the one commodity New Zealand possessed for which there was an inestimable demand at record prices. The actual output of gold had increased by a third in the last five years, while the value of gold produced had increased by 132 per cent. The estimated quantities and values of gold produced in New Zealand in the last five years were as follows:—

The number of men engaged in gold mining had increased from 1654 in 1930 to 6540 in 1934. The future of gold mining in New Zealand lay mainly, in the use of modern methods and equipment which could only be furnished by strong companies possessing ample financial resources. A resolution at the close of the meeting expressed confidence in Mr Forbes end the Government.

Year Quantity Ounces Value. £ 1930 120,931 499,744 1931 129,861 627,451 1932 . 166,354 974,734 1933 161,755 1,063,543 1934 160,248 1,158,607