Cancellation of Export Stock Trains

Chronicle (Levin), 2 April 1947, Page 7

Cancellation of Export Stock Trains

—Press Association

By Telegrapti-

WELLINGTON, April 1. Although farming circies are reported to weiconie the hint given by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) that sonte of the coal no^ used to generate electricity may have'to be diverted to dairy factories, freezing works, and uther producing plants, there is no con cealinent of the anxietv felt, for the immediate future of the dairy produce and nieat industries. Inquiries show that fears for dairy production are particularly pronounced. in two of 'the stronghoids of the in dustry, the Taranaki and Waikato dis tricts, which account for a very substantial measure of" the production in the North lsland. The estimate that coal stocks at the average Waikato dairy factory, as at Friday, would lasi for three days only, means that the crisis in the industry in that district must 110 w be acute. The irony is thuv tt is the district where the vital coalliefds exist.

It has since been reported that Waikato dairy factories, with slightly better reserves of coal than others, are cooperatiug to eke out the total supply. Aceording to sources in Hamilton, however, this cooperation, while admirable, cannot be really effeetive, and many plants will have to close down this.week unless more coal is mined and de livered to the factories within the next day or two. In Taranaki, many dairy factories have been working since before Christmas on a day-to-day basis with coal. Ln oiost factories the type of furnace pro hibits the use of any fuel other than slack coal. Dairy factories in the dis tric.t are faced with the prospect oi having to cease operations unless the coal shortage is relieved. While there are sufficient stocks in most cases to las.t until after Easter, several factories may have to close this week unless thev rcceive supplies of coal. Lt is reported that the Eltham Cooperative Dairy (Joinpanv's factories do no t cxpect to' hold out after Saturday unless coal supplies arrivc. The irregular supplies iu the past meant that no reserves could be accumulated, and the position with the company, which coutrols 11 factories over a large area, has been called desperate. On Saturday last there was only oue day V supply oi coal at the main dairy t'ae tory iu Stratford, although some of the branches had enougli stocks for a few days. It was stated that the company would have no altcrnative but to "sliu: up shop" unless more coal arrived. The New Zealand Mcat Producers' Board advises that the Itailway Department has been compelled to cancel ali trains normally carrying fat stock for export killing to all North lsland freezing worlcs. The only stock bcing transported by rail is that for local consumption. Inland works may be able to carrv on export killing3 wit'n driven, . or iorried, stock for a while, but inevitably the coal shortage will cause killing operations to cease. The supply: of cbal- to North;- lsland freezing work's' has .bcbn ti ham}*t6-niqii$i! business ever siiice tlie preSent seasoh eoinnienced. ■ NOT SO HEAVILY HIT The ett'ect of the coal shortage has not been felt to aiiv great extent by the dairy and allied industries in the Mana watu district. The Longburn Freezing Works are fortunate in that thev do not have to rely on Waikato coal for sup plies but get it direct from Westport. Thcir position is also made easier by Ihe fact that the works close down for Easter, tlius effectdng a saving which will possibly tide theni over any Iroublesome shortage. Dairy factories, although relying on Waikato coal for their fuel needs are still in a quite favourable position. The Awahuri factorv manager, Mr. W. S. Death, stated last night that the factory had just received a truck of coal which, wi'th accumulated supplies, was enougli to last the factory for two weeks. Although no statcment of the position obtaining at the Longburn dairy factory could be obtained last night, it was affirnied by the Kairanga Cooperative Dairy Company chairman. Mr. W. W. Cruden, that the power restrictions had retarded the company 's production of eheese. The cut-off in the aftemoon came at an awkward time, he said.