OWNERSHIP OF MINES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 9, 19 September 1944, Page 6

OWNERSHIP OF MINES

DEFENCE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

"When the Minister of Mines (tho Hon. P. C. Webb) publicly declares that lie will do everything he can to get control of the coal mines of the. Dominion surely the public should be told clearly what advan-r tages if any t will accrue to consumers of coal to wage earners to taxpayers, to the and to the coal industry. The reason why Mr Webb fails, to discuss these points is said Mr James Begg ; chairman of directors* of the Westport Coal Companj* in a statement . "The story of State coal mining in New Zealand is not an inspiring one. It has shown constantly rising costs of production and many strikes and stop-work meetings " Mr Begg said. "It is doubtful if during the 40 years of State, mining any profits have accrued to pay for further development. On the other hand privately owned mines have not only successfully competed with State mines in supplying coa'l # and have, paid salaries and wages to miners on at least as. generous a ccale but they have l'on many been a rich source of revenue to the Treasury in royalties and income and social security taxes, and to local bodies in harbour dues, and county rates., "As an example or the benefit to the community of private ownership /)f miners,/' Mr Begg added, "consider the following payment&'by the Westport Coal Company during the last 40 years, during which they liave sold coal in open competition tvith State mines.: Wages paid at mines £2(j j ;)ll j 74.0: railwaj" haulage, nt Westport £2 305,873; Westport harbour rate £313,935; county council rates £138,419; income tax and social security and national security taxes £701,050; royalties paid Lo the Treasury £390,382. A comparison ivith the State's coal mining activities for the same period would be, interesting;" Mr Begg added.