COAL SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1919, Page 5

COAL SHORTAGE.

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Referring to the announcement that the Federal Government has decided to commandeer nil the coal in the Commonwealth, the Hon. Myers stated to-day that, as far as he could judge at the moment, the Dominion's supply from Newcastle would not be detrimentally affected, as it was not anticipated that the output from the mines would be reduced. Recent strikes in Newcastle had given considerable cause for anxiety, but, from the information received, lie understood that tho bulk of the mines had resumed work, and he hopctt the regular supply would soon be again coming to hand from that source. Further, every endeavor was being made to arrange for oversea ships en route to the Dominion, both via America and Australia, to pick up cargoes of coal. The recent epidemic and strike at Millerton, together with the continued stoppage of work at Green Island mines, Otago, had accentuated the acute shortage -of coal which existed during the past two!; years in practically every part of (lie; Dominion. Every possible effort is being made, however, concluded Mr. Myers, to do'the best possible in tho national interests with'the supplies that are coming to hand.