THE COAL POSITION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1358, 20 June 1918, Page 8

THE COAL POSITION.

WEST COAST OUTPUT. A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE. "There is more in the present West Coast trouble than meets the eye," was the opinion of a gentleman connected with the coal industry to a Sun representative to-day. "There is indeed a real anxiety as to what will be the outcome of the men's demands to tho employers. Here, it has been obvious for some time that matters were not right. There has been eloquent evidence of this fact in a declining West Coast output. At present, with the Dominion thrown largely on its own resources for coal, an acceleration of output, in common with the mines elsewhere, was expected from the West Coast. The actual decline can only be attributed to the fact that the go-slow policy is still in existence. As matters are at present, they must come to a head. A NEED FOE ECONOMY.

In view of these statements intimating that there was a likelihood of the local coal shortage becoming more acute, the Sun representative approached Mr Denys Hoare, secretary of the Coal Trade Committee. Mr Hoare stated that whilst unable to give an opinion on the West Coast trouble, the position locally was that more than ever there was the strictest need on the part of both dealer and public, for economy. It had been decided to release further quantities of admiralty coal now, on the breakwater at Lyttelton which would help matters somewhat. The last Newcastle was able to supply some of the requirements of the trade above those of the essential industries —railways, etc. —but it was unlikely that the same happy position would be the ease with the next shipment. Asked concerning supplies of lignite coal, Mr Hoare said that the mitput had been increased largely, and the public was taking readily to its use. Larger quantities of Kaitangata had been made available than usual, whilst the entry \of Mt. Torlesse coal on the market during the month was welcome.