IMPORTATION OF COAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1075, 12 September 1930, Page 11

IMPORTATION OF COAL

DEPUTATION ASKS FOR EMBARGO POSITION ON WEST COAST Press Association WELLINGTON, Thursday. A deputation of mineowners, miners and citizens of the West Coast mining* centres waited on the Acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. E. A. Hansom, and the Hons. W. A. Vcitc-h and A. J. Murdoch, seeking the placing of an embargo on the importation of Australian coal in order to protect the industry, in New Zealand. It was stated that as a result of the cancellation of orders the mining industry was in a very serious position. In replying the Minister of Mines, the Hon. A. J. Murdoch, said the quantity of New Zealand coal used on the milways had increased very appreciably year by year. There had been an increase in the production of coal in New Zealand and importations had decreased by more than 40,000 tons for the. six months ended June last. Importations in July amounted to 34,092 tons and last month 22,000. The principal offenders, so far as importations were concerned, were the gas companies. As Minister he had made a request to harbour boards to assist the position by making use of New Zealand coal instead of crude oil for heating purposes. “SHOULD HELP” Mr. Murdoch referred to the stoppages which had taken place on the West Coast, and said the miners should realise that if they wanted assistance they should help the Government and the country. The Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. A. Veitch. said he had predicted trouble over 12 months ago. The New Zealand mines had enjoyed a period of prosperity during the stoppage in Australia and the position naturally could not last. An embargo was a matter for the Government as a whole, but he desired to point out that if it were imposed immediately many industries would be embarrassed. It was impossible for the department to continue to buy New Zealand coal at the present rate, owing to the heavy accumulations and the fact that there had been a reduction in train services. Nlr. Ransom expressed bis willingness to assist by having an inquiry made into the reason why imported coal was being used.