COAL PRODUCTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 180, 2 August 1940, Page 8

COAL PRODUCTION

INCREASE LAST YEAR RECORDED MINISTER SATISFIED SMALL RISE IN QUANTITY IMPORTED ' There was an increase in output of coal in the Dominion in 1939, compared with 1938 of 5.15 per cent, to 2,342,639 tons, according to the annual Mines Statement, tabled in the House of Representatives on Wednesday by the Minister of Mines. Mr. Webb. "There were 152 coal-mines operating in the Dominion in 1939," Mr. Webb states. "Sixty-nine of these mines are situated on freehold property and produced 1,026,095 tons, or 44 per cent, of the total output. The remaining 83 mines are situated on Crown lands and produced 1,316,544 tons, or 56 per cent, of the total output.” The annual production of coal since 1930 has been as follows: —1930, 2,542,092 tons; 1931, 2,157,756; 1932. 1,842,022; 1933, 1,821,258; 1934, 2,060,315; 1935, 2,115,184; 1936, 2,140,217; 1937, 2,277,799; 1938, 2,222,088; 1939, 2,342,639. "The quantity of coal imported into New Zealand in 1939 was 111,537 tons, as compared with 109,206 tons for the previous year, an increase of 2331 tons,” the Minister states. Requirements for 1940 "The increase in output is satisfactory in view of the need foi' greater production of native coal to fulfil the industrial, transport and domestic needs of the Dominion, and at the same time to conserve overseas funds by restricting importations to the bare requirements of certain consuming units which cannot operate efficiently without a proportion of Australian coal. “A survey of the coal-mines already developed shows that they v.re capable of expanding production sufficiently to meet the requirements of consumers. The policy of not granting new coalmining rights over Crown lands, except in isolated places, has therefore been maintained.

“During 1940 it is estimated that an output of at least 2,500,000 tons will be required to fulfil the requirements of the Dominion. No difficulty should be experienced in producing this quantity of coal. Co-operative Mining "Nineteen co-operative parties working portions of the State coal reserve near Greymouth produced, during the year 1939, 101,297 tons, the number of men employed being 174. During the previous year, 19 parties produced 108,214 tons, there being a decrease this year of 6917 tons. During the year a number of the parties were carrying out development work. “The achievements of the co-opera-tive parties over the years and their record of production demonstrates very clearly the advantages of this system of mining wherever it can be applied. My policy is to foster ail genuine co-operative mining enterprises by making available technical advice, geological information, and, where necessary, financial aid for development and plant. “Up to the end of 1939 these parties have produced a grand total qf 1,442,741 tons of coal, and have in tne same period paid royalties to the State amounting to £67,973.”