THE COAL POSITION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1941, Page 7

THE COAL POSITION

RATIONING UNLIKELY. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 7. “I have no fear but that both the domestic and industrial demand for coal this winter will be fully met without recourse to rationing,” said the Minister of Mines, Mr. Webb. “The domestic supply question is well in hand,” Mr. Webb said. “I do not think there will be any shortage of domestic coal this winter." He said there was also every indication that industry would be able to meet the demands of the Auckland Electric Power Board for coal for the generation of power. Coal was being shipped from Bluff and the West Coast of the South Island, in addition to drawing on the Waikato mines to the maximum. “Production is increasing rapidly in the Waikato." he added. “Provided that ships are available to augment the North Island supplies, and everything points to them being available. I do not expect any difficulty in providing the necessary supplies. Extra miners could be put on in the Waikato if accommodation were available. Mr. Webb continued. “At the moment, however, it is taxed to the utmost and the mining companies and the Government are considering improving the accommodation. A fresh group of State houses is being erected in Huntly.