COAL INTERESTS TO CONFER

Southland Times, Issue 23736, 7 February 1939, Page 8

COAL INTERESTS TO CONFER

REDUCED AMOUNT TO BE IMPORTED PROPOSALS DESIRED BY MR WEBB (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 6. Problems associated with the P ro^ uc " tion and distribution of coal m New Zealand will be discussed at a ence of coal mine owners miners arranged for tomorrow by the Minister of Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webbh In an interview this evening Mr Webb said that as a result of ment’s policy approximately 50,000 tons less of imported coal would be admitted into the Dominion this year. The conference, said Mr Webb, would be attended by representatives of the mine owners and the United coal mine workers of New Zealand. It was his aim to see proposals formulated tor the advancement of the industry ana he felt the men best able to give advice were those carrying on the industry. As a result of the conference it was hoped to obtain as clear a picture of the industry as possible. Mr Webb said approximately 100,000 tons of coal were imported into New Zealand in a year. The extent to which importations of coal could be reduced would be determined by the information made available at the conference. As far as possible he wanted to see New Zealand industries run by New Zealand coal.