THE BAN ON COALMINING LICENSES

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 88, 7 November 1932, Page 5

THE BAN ON COALMINING LICENSES

OHURA DEPUTATION MFETS MINISTERIAL PARTY COAL DEPOSITS TAPPED BY NEW LINE Press Association. —Copyright Tangarakau, To-day.i—A deputation at Ohura to-day asked the Government to lift the ban on the issue of coalmining licenses in view of the fact that Ohura has vast coal deposits tapped by the new line and was obliged to import its requirements. Pointing out that there was much hardship on existing coalfields Hon. G. W. Forbes said the granting of new licenses at present would create further problems. The circumstances of each district had to be taken into consideration, and when the matter was brought before the Minister of Mines the possibility of obtaining additional freight for the railways would not be overlooked. Taumarunui-Tokaanu Road

No immediate prospect of money being made available for the completion of the new Taumarunui-Tokaanu road was indicated by the Ministerial reply given to a representative deputation which interviewed Messrs. Forbes and Coates on the special train this morning. The deputation comprised representatives of the Taumarunui Borough Council, Chamber of Commerce, Farmers' Union, Returned Soldiers, and others.

Mr. Langstone, M.P., who introduced the deputation, said the length of the new road would be 30 miles against 78 miles traversed by the present route. The expenditure, to date, had been £7500, If the work were completed thousands of acres of good bush country would be opened up which, when milled, would provide first-class settlement and would afford an outlet to timber growing on the vast areas in the locality. The reply of the Minister was that while the importance of the work was recognised it was a Question of finance. At present no money was available for communication and there was no immediate prospect oT funds being provided.