COAL SUPPLIES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 164, 5 April 1919, Page 8

COAL SUPPLIES

EFFECT OF STATE CONIBOL. One of the important duties of tho Munitions and Supplies Department, which the Hon, Arthur Myers (Minister in charge) states terminated its activities at tho end of March! was the securing of adequate supplies of coal for New Zealand and tho transport service. • Nqw Zealand in VM used approximately 2,800,000 tons of coal; in 1918 all that was available to meet an increased consumption from all soui ccs was 2,000,000 tons. Although this 28.57 per cent, shortageexisted the official control over distribution was such as to prevent any industry from stopping for the want of coal.

Thus the distribution of coal lias been ii matter calling for considerable discernment during the war. This fact fortunately has been one fully appreciated by all coal consumers as well as tho public generally, and the Minister feels, as head of his .Department, that the success of his committees and the office in keeping everyone going throughout tho intr period has been in a large measure due to the co-operation and assistance afforded in all direct ions. Over (i.OfIO.MO tons of coal have been delivered throughout New Zealand under the supervision of tho Department.

At tho moment, the problem is how to make provision for next winter. Given reasonable opportunities, tho Minister, who is retaining control over coal distribution, hopes to seo important public utilities carrying reasnnablo supplies by the end of May next, after which the intention is to see that the people get all the AVcst Coast coal that Ihe miners can turn out for them. By this means if the output only continues normal it is hoped that all homes will bo provided with coal by the miners, and so, in a measure, obliterate memories of the coal position during the 11)18 winter.