COAL SUPPLIES

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3183, 28 May 1932, Page 8

COAL SUPPLIES

INTERESTING COMPARISONS. Some interesting information regarding New Zealand coal production was given by the Minister of Mines last week during his visit to the West Coast. Complaint had been made against the discouragement of the industry and consequent unemployment, stress being laid on importation of coal from Australia. In replying, Mr Macmillan stated that for the year ended December 31, 1930, there was produced in the Dominion 2,542,092 tons of coal, which was the highest output since the production of coal commenced. The industry had employed 5867 men during that year,. as against 5497 during the preceding year, an increase of 370 men. For the year ended on December 31, 1931, the output was 2,157,756 tons, a decrease of 382,336 tons on the 1930 output. The industry had employed 5745 men, as against 5867, a decrease of 122 men. So far as imports from Australia are concerned, the increase was not so large as was generally understood. The actual figures for the year ended December 31, 1931, were 180,118 tons, as against 157,943 tons in 1930. an 'increase of 22,175 tons. The idea that the gasworks mainly use Australian coal is another mistaken view. Last year the total consumption was in round figures 240,000 tons, of which only 45,000 tons came from overseas. There is a distinct temptation to buy Australian coal, as the bounty per ton it carries, plus the benefit of the exchange rate with the Commonwealth, makes it an attractive proposition. However, so long as the New Zealand mines can be relied on for regular supplies, the Government very properly proposes to use the Dominion product wherever possible.