MINERAL WEALTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12069, 26 July 1917, Page 4

MINERAL WEALTH.

A PROSPEROUS YEAR

RECORD OUTPUT OF COAL PER. MAN.

[From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, July 25. The value of minerals exported from New Zealand, including the coal cutput for 1916, totalled £2,978,43(5, as compared with £3,374,523 for 191-5, the decrease of £39H,(J87 being more apparent than real, b<?ing confined almost wholly to gold, accumulations of which, owing to ttie export prohibition of 1911, were, shipped in 1915. The production of coal, tungsten ore and other minerals increased considerably last year, notwithstanding abnormal war conditions and shortage of labour. The output of coal for the year was 2,257,135 tons, an increase of 48,511. and constituting the second highest output in New Zealand's record. The output per person underground amounted to 750 tons, the highest ever attained in ~Se\v Zealand, and only cue ton lower than Australia's record. Tungsten ore exported during tho year was valued at £49,070, as against £27,784 in 1915. The value of «;old exported in 1916 amounted to £1.199,212, compared with £1,(594,553 in 1915, although the actual bullion produced in 1915 totalled only £1,192,197. APPEAL FOR THE MTNERS.

A strong appeal was made to the Government to-day by members representing mining constituencies for greater assistance to develop the mineral resources of tho country. Members generally joined in emphasising the lamentable inadequacy or pensions for miners disabled by pneumoconiosis. Mr Poland pointed to tho pound a week allowance, under the Miners' Phthisis Act, to a married man ns making a farce of the whole thing, and contended that the miners, many of whom gave their lives in pursuit of their occupation, had a just and reasonable demand for legislation which would give them and their families living allowances. The member for Ohincmuri, who has steadily and persistently championed the cause of the invalided miner in Parliament for years, was warmly supported in his appeal by Messrs Rhodes (Thames), Coivin, and numerous other members. The Hon W. D. S. Mac Donald, in the course of his reply, agreed upon the great importance of the. mining industry to New Zealand, but pointed out the impossibility of doing much at present in 'the way of development, especially with so many miners away at the war. He said that, our coal mines alone could at present absorb fully 50 per cent more men. The dinner adjournment interrupted the Minister before he was able to reply on the subject of pension allowance's under the Miners' Phthisis Act.