GETTING MORE COAL

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 18, 16 October 1943, Page 6

GETTING MORE COAL

Malcontents In Australian Industry To Go

CANBERRA, October 15. The minority of malcontents and irresponsibles was to be weeded out of the Australian coal-mining industry, said the 'Prime Minister, Mr'. Curtin, announcing drastic restrictions in coal consumption. jThe railways are to have their consumption cut by 26 per cent., and industrial users by 12J per cent. Technical committees are being appointed to advise on methods of restricting the use of gas and electricity, and the /consumption of coal. External lighting ' will also be restricted.

i Every miner absenting himself from work without legal excuse and mine managers responsible for breaches of the existing regulations will be prosecuted. Revealing the loss this year of 2.500.000 tons of coal, Mr. Curtin said ( that inquiries showed the removal of malcontents would go a long way toward It aintaining increased coal consumption. The loss of production to September 18 was caused by absenteeism, which cost . 1,000,000 tons, and strikes, which cost 'another 1,000,000 tons. Other industrial causes cost 125,000 tons, mechanical breakdowns 140,000 tons, and miscellaneous reasons 160,000 tons. Other Government moves to step up coal production will be the mechanization of the mines as rapidly as the proctirei ment of equipment will permit, and the transfer of about GOO .workers to the mines from the Services or other industries.