N.Z. COAL RESOURCES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12636, 22 May 1919, Page 6

N.Z. COAL RESOURCES

f AM IMPORTANT STATEMENT [Pt.r Prmb Association.] WM/LINGTON. May 22. , At the Industries Committee to-day an important statement was mado by Mr P. J. Morgan, Director of Geological Survey, in regard to the coal resources of the Dominion. ' Ho estimated that the coal supply in New Zealand in 1890.was 413,000,000 tons. In 1910 the workable coal was 1,082,089,000 tons- A, tentative recast of the estimate of the present workable supply was uot reassuring. Tlio present yearly production of coal in New Zealand! was about 2,000,000 tons. But for the war it might have been 2,500,000 tong in 1918. If all the probable coni actually existed and could be mined, half the coat supply would last a little over 77 years, but all would be exhausted in 155 years. The coal supply of New Zealand was inadequate for future generations. A vigorous prospecting policy was necessary if we wore to build up industry in this country. Detailed geological survey, followed by extensive boring, must be done, and by the Government. Tile cost could suitably be met by a levy on the coal produced. The cost of prospecting ought to be refunded by the owner of the coal. There was very substantial and practical reason for State nationalisation of coal mines. Legislation was necessary to prevent owners of coal-bearing land from exacting exorbitant royalties. The shortage of men contributed to the aorjl famine. Greater inducements should he offered. Mr Morgan supported the purchase of State colliers as well as the purchase of mines- The _ Government was not justified in working the Pupongn. mine, which was now idle, in his opinion, but bo would make further inquiries.