COAL CONTRACTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18139, 2 October 1930, Page 2

COAL CONTRACTS.

MORE INQUIRIES IN HOUSE. EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT. i . (Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Information was sought of the Minister of Railways in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr W. Lee Martin (Labour —-Raglan) as to whether. there is any arrangement between the Taupiri Coal Company, Ltd., and the .Glen Afton Collieries in connection with the supply of coal on account of .the recently-arranged contract. “ The Railway Department’s contract," the Hon. W. A.' Veitch replied, “is with the Taupiri Coal. Company, Ltd., and is for the supply by that i' company to the Department of Waikato coal- of- a qualityapproved by the Department at the price specified in the contract. Whether the coal is actually obtained by the Taupiri Company from its own mine or from some other mine in the Waikato does not affect the contract provided the quality meets with the approval of the department." In reply to Mr J. S. Fletcher (Independent—Grey Lynn) Mr Veitch said that the Taupiri Coal Company, Ltd., was free to obtain the supplies wherewith to discharge its obligation under its contract- with the departjj, ment from any mine in the Waikato that could supply coal of the requisite quality. ■ • Mr Martin also asked the Munster of Mines what steps he proposed to take to find employment for the miners of the Pukemiro, Renown, and Waipa collieries who arc now working half-time, due to recent loss of contracts by these mines? The Hon. Mr Murdoch replied that inquiries had been made regarding this position, and it was anticipated that the heavier outputs in'certain of the Waikato mines would necessitate increased numbers of miners being employed and should absorb those at present working short-time.