COAL INDUSTRY’S APPEAL

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1930, Page 11

COAL INDUSTRY’S APPEAL

AN EMBARGO WANTED AUSTRALIAN IMPORTATIONS FURTHER USE ON THE RAILWAYS DEPUTATION FROM WEST COAST. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Sept. 24. The necessity for extending the use of New Zealand (coal in New Zealand and of placing an embargo on importations was represented to the Government to-day when a widely representative deputation from the West Coast stressed to the Acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, the seriousness of the coal question, not only as it affects Greymouth and district, but also the whole Dominion. Mr. Ransom replied that the Government did not wish hastily to impose an embargo without first considering the possible adverse effect on the country of retaliation in respect to other commodities. Au assurance was given that the Government was doing all it could to encourage the use of greater quantities of New Zealand coal in the Dominion.

The deputation was introduced by Mr. J. O’Brien, and Mr. H. E. Holland also spoke. M*r. Holland specially urged in regard to reductions in the coal orders of” the railways that whatever curtailments’.were made,should be spread over a long period in order to prevent a sudden dislocation. He said it was unfortunate that six months’ notice must be given Of terminating a reciprocal arrangement with Australia, and he urged the Government to lose no time ■in giving notice. The chief speaker was Mr. Greensladc, Mayor of Greymouth, who said the question was a national one, and he thought further utilisation of coal could be brought about. He suggested that something should be done to assist the industry. Other speakers were Messrs W. P. Endcan, M. R. McLean, chairman of the Greymouth Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce, Mulcare, representing the Grey County Council, Parfitt, representing the Greymouth Power Board, McTaggart, Mayor of Runanga, Davis, representing the mine owners, and Sineaton, ,of Brunner. The Hon. W. A. Veitch said the Railway Department would do .everything it could to relieve the position ts soon as possible and was determined i.iat a consistent effort shculd be made to reach the ideal point of 100 per cent, consumption of New Zealand coal on the railways. To Mr. McLean he replied that noAustralian orders were pending and there were no contracts in existence. It was not proposed to import coal from Australia for the railways. The Minister of Mines, Mr. A. J. Murdoch, said they were endeav tiring to gain the co-operation of all users of imported coal to induce them to use New Zealand coal,, and were approaching the gas companies, some of which were the worst offenders in the matter of importation. The department was also arranging to prevent further production of coal, by declining to issue further leases. Officers of the department would be instructed to use their utmost endeavours to induce the use of New Zealand coal in industry and homes.