COAL DEPUTATION

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1930, Page 6

COAL DEPUTATION

RAILWAY ORDERS SAFE.

THE EMBARGO QUESTION

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, September 24

The necessity of extending the use of New Zealand coal in New Zealand and of placing an embargo on, importations was represented by the Government to-day, when a widely representative deputation from the West Coast stressed to Mr Ransom the seriousness of the coal question, and not only as it affects Greymouth and district but tlie whole Dominion.

Mr Ransom replied that the Government did not wish hastily to enforce an embargo without first of all considering the possible adverse effect on the country of retaliation ; in respect to other commodities. An assurance was given that the Government is doing all it can to encourage the use of greater quantities of New Zealand coal in the Dominion.

The deputation was introduced by Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., and Mr Harry Holland, M.P., also spoke. He specially urged, in regard to reduction in coal orders of the railway that whatever curtailments were made should be spread - over a long period, in-,or-der to prevent a sudden dislocation. He said it- was unfortunate that six months’ notice must he given of the terminating of the reciprocal arrangements with Australia, and he urged the Government to lose no time in giving the iiotice. The chief -speaker was Mr Greenslade, Mayor of Greymouth, who said the question was national, and he thought it advisable to call all parties together to see if a better basis ot coal utilisation could be brought about. He suggested that something should be done to assist the industry.

Other speakers were Mr Endean, M.P., Mr McLean, Chairman of the Grey Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce. Mr Mulcare, representing the Grey County Council, Mr Parfitt reprsenting the Grey Power Board, Mr McTaggart, Mayor of Runanga, Mr Davis, representing the mine owners, Mr Smeaton, Mayor of Brunner and a few more. Mr Veitcli said the Railways Department would do. everything it could to relieve the position, as soon as possible, and a determined consistent effort would be made to reach the ideal point of 100 per cent, consumption of New Zealand coal on the railways. To Mr McLean he replied that no Australian orders were pending, and there were no contracts in existence. Ft was not proposed to import coal from Australia for the railways. , The Minister of Mines (Mr Murdoch), said they were endeavouring to gain the co-operation of all users of imported coal to induce them to use New Zealand, coal, and were approaching gas companies, some of which were sfirst offenders in the matter ot importation. The Department was also arranging to prevent further production of coal by declining the issue of further leases. Officers of the Department would be instructed to use the utmost• endeavour to induce the use of New Zealand coal in industry and homes.