OUR GOAL SUPPLY.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1919, Page 2

OUR GOAL SUPPLY.

j -,*——« _•< j INADEQUATE FOR THE HJTOB& By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, May 22. At the Industries Committee to-day an important statement was made by Mr P. J. Morgan, Director of the Geological Surrey, with regard to the coal resources of the Dominion. The estimates of the coal supply are not reassuring. The present yearly production of coal in New Zealand is about two mililon tons; but for the war it might have been 2,500,000 tons in 1918. If all the probable coal actually existed and could be mined half the coal supply would last a little over 77 years, but ail would be exhausted in 155 years- The coal supply of New Zealand was inadequate for future generations. A vigorous prospecting policy was necessary if we were to build up industry in the country. A detailed geological survey, followed by extensive boring, must be done, and by the Government. The cost could suitably be met 'by a levy on the coal produced. The cost of prospecting ought to be refunded by the owner of the coal—a very substantial and practical reason for State nationalisation of, coal mines. Legislation was necessary to prevent owners of coal-bearing land from exacting exorbitant royalties. The shortage of men contributed to the coal famine, and greater inducements should be offered. Mt Morgan supported the purchase of State collieries. The Government was not justified in working the Puponga mine, which was now idle, in his opinion, but he would make further inquiries.