THE COAL SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 185, 25 April 1918, Page 6

THE COAL SHORTAGE

NO HOARDING TO BE PERMITTED. The Hon. Arthur Myers, Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies, mado a statement yesterday regarding the coal situation in Wellington, which had recently been exorcising- tha minds of householders. The Minister prefaced his remarks by saying it had probably been overlooked that both the State and Paparoa coalmines wero idlo during tho wholo of March, and that supplies to this market were considerably affected in consequence. Tho disputes at both miues being settled, coal is now coming forward from both these suurces, audit is hoped that an improvement in tho present position can lie looked forward to at an early date. Mr. Myers pointed' out that national , necessities caused tho first call on coal to 1)0 railway, shipping, and transport purposes. It is satisfactory to noto in this connection that full provision has been made for all requirements up to date. Next in importance* come freezing companies, gas companies, dairy factories, public utilities, and manufacturers. A good record has been established by meeting all these demands up to the present, and while some difficulty mny have been experienced ia getting full supplies no single industry to dato has had to curtail its activities for want of coal. The Minister stated that it must also be borne in mind that New Zealand was a large importer of Newcastle coal, and since the outbreak of war the quantity coming forward-from this source has ljeen seriously curtailed by the lack of tonnage. ; In respect to future supplies for household purposes, tho Minister stated that the Wellington Coal Trade Committee has 1000 tons available this week tor distribution, in Wellington, and that the committee were now considering a scheme which it was hoped would mnko available a larger supply' of coal for domestic purposes during the coming winter. While on this subject the Minister emphasised the necessity of householders economising to the utmost in tho nso of coal and augmenting supplies by making moro use of coke than is now being done. Owing to the probability of the Railway Department having to depend on the West Coast mines for larger quantities of screened coal, householders may have in tho near future to rely solely on unscreened hard coal, steam and small lignite supplies. The Minister stated that complaints had reached his Department of certain householders getting iu 6tocks of coal iu excess of immediate icquiremcnts, and in-

timated that steps would bo taken by the Wellington Coal Trade Committee to consider means of penalising anyone found ordering coal who had already more coal on hand than was justified under existing conditions. If necessary, regulations will bo mndo which will bring the offenders to book, but iho Minister hopes that this warning will be sufficient, and that householders so situated will cease ordering until the requirements of other householders who are without supplies are' met. In conclusion the Minister expressed the hope that tho public locally would appreciato the diffi-nltics in connection with coal distribution and assist tho Wellington Coal Trade Committee in the difficult task with which they are confronted in carrying put his directions.