COAL OUTPUT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 124, 28 May 1942, Page 5

COAL OUTPUT

INCREASE URGED ABSENTEEISM BY MAORIS (0.C.) HUNTLY, this day. Leading-Aircraftman F. Moncur, M.P. for Rotorua, has been in the Huntly district for the past few days addressing the men at the various coal mines, stressing the need for higher coal production. As a result of decreasing supplies of petrol and tyres, many motor vehicles would shortly be forced off the roads, he said, with the result that further demands would be made on the railways. Increased coat supplies would be required to meet this demand. In addition, there was the need for greater output to supply the requirements of essential war industries. Mr. Moncur stated that in his opinion the conditions of work in the mines were generally good, and the miners, when they were at work, worked well. Unfortunately, absenteeism was rife, particularly among young Maoris, who were not affected by the existing regulations. Mr. Paikea, member of the Executive Council representing the Maori race, and Princess Te Puea Herangi were to inquire into this matter with a view to securing ful! co-operation of the Maoris.

Yesterday Mr. Moncur met the mine managers and officials of the Northern Miners' Union at a combined conference in the Town Hall to discuss absenteeism from the mines, and the prospects of increasing coal production in the Waikato mines.

Air. Moncur will attend a meeting of the National Coal Mine Executive in Wellington to-morrow, when matters relating to the coal-mining industry in New Zealand will be discussed.