END OF COAL CONTROL.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1921, Page 5

END OF COAL CONTROL.

RESTRICTIONS TO CEASE SOON. AMPLE SUPPLIES ON HAND. FREE IMPORT FROM NEWCASTLE. By TaUgraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, acting-Minis-ter-in-Charge of the coal trade control, has announced that Cabinet has decided to lift the restrictions on the distribution of coal throughout the Dominion. This will mean the abolition of the honorary coal trade committees in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington, together with the branches and the Coal Control Department in Wellington. The Government had taken the earliest opportunity of closing down the department in view of the necessity of effecting administration economies whereever possible. Supplies were now so plentiful as to enable the Government to withdraw the restrictions on the delivery of coal within the Dominion as from September 1. The Government firewood depot will be transferred to the Mines Department and worked in conjunction with the State coal depot. The improved position was not brought about by any material increase in the outputs of the Dominion mines, but by a large increase in importations amount ing to approximately 240.000 tons for the first six months of the year. Tn addition, owing to the general economic conditions, the demand has decreased, especially regarding the bunkering of overseas steamers, and the mildness of the winter has also reduced the demand for household coal, and local yards were mostly well stocked.

The Commonwealth authorities have also lifted the embargo on the export of coal to New Zealand, consequently the Dominion is in a sufficiently safd position to justify the action taken. Since the shortage first became serious at the end of 191 C to the beginning of the present year, the coal position has been causing the gravest concern. Had not substantial increases In importation taken place with efficient distribution to counteract the persistent falling otf of the Dominion output, there is not the slightest doubt that severe financial loss would have resulted, with consequent unempibyment and distress.