H.-24

6

2. It may be erf interest ter lierte the following comparative figures '.—

It will be observed from the above schedule that the. figures for 1917 show a, decrease of 191,075 tons when compared with the same period lor 1916. Coal produced within the Dominion is responsible for 188,716 tons of this shortage, and the importations 2,359 tons.

Comparison of (Actual) Outputs and Importations for First Nine Months of 1917 and 1918 respectively.

Census os Coal Stocks by Government Statistician. s Tons. As at 30th April, 1917 ... .. .. .. .. .. 183,280 As at 31st, July, 1917 .. .. .. .. .. ..218,907 As at, 31st October, 1917 .. .. .. .. .. ..191.219 As at 31st January, 1918 .. .-. ... .. .. .. 178.192 As at 30th April, 1918 .. .. .. .. .. .. 151,866 As at 31st July. 1918 * .. .. .. .. .. .. 178,301 To me it is a matter for regret that Nerw Zealand does not- under war conditions produce sufficien coal ter meet its needs, anel so release from employment the' valuable tonnage', used in bringing over extensive quantities from Newcastle. Ther beneficial results which would (low ter the Dominion from such a release would, in my opinion, constitute a permanent advantage to our. people. Facilities for, handling Coal-supplies at the Four Main Ports in New Zealand, 3. On the 23rd August, 1917, 1 addressed my colleague the Hon. Minister for Public Works, as follows : "(I.) Attention having been directed ter the loss ol time and the expense incurred in handling coal-supplies at main centres, it has occurred to me as advisable to cerllect information in regard to labour-saving appliances, with a vierw to obtaining a comprehensive report from serine competent source in regard to the matter generally. " (2.) 1 shall be obliged,, therefore, if you can find it convenient to depute' erne of your officers, or to request your Department, to investigate, the position and furnish me; with a full report in regard to the matter.

Coal produoed in Dominion. year. Bituminous. I Coal imported. Total. Other Kinds. 1917 1916 1915 1914 Tons. I,247,989 I .122,071 1,404,400 1,491,313 Tons. 820,130 835,061 804,221 781,280 Tons. 291,597 293,956 353,471 518,070 'Pons. 2,360,016 2,551,09! 2,562,095 2,793,663

1 17. 1918. Produoed in Dominion. Produced in Dominion, Total. Month. Coal imported. Total. Coal „ ,., , Other imported. Hard Coal, ,,. , Kinds. Hard Oral, j gjjg* January March April May June July August September Toils. 89,049 84,104 97,816 25,484 110.007 .103,254 109.682 110,882 99,126 Tons. 58.581 52.517 59,394 43.793 67.115 02.370 09,430 75,523 71,866 Tons. 14,722 29.958 90,682 7,804 56,191 29,654 27.071 11,995 548 ' Tons. 162,352 106,579 247,892 77.081 231,273 195,284 200,183 198,400 171,540 'tons. Tons. Tons. 76,816 07.533 15,925 90,090 03.108 18,500 75,963 07,453 18,793 82,420 73.545 20,733 97.991 i 85.007 36.497 90.489 ' 74.427 22,093 93,537 ! 80,581 24.727 09,709 : 82.741 25.991 85,221 | 79,865 30,628 Tons, 70,816 90,696 75,963 82.420 97.991 90.489 93,537 09,709 85,221 Tons. 160,271 172,364 162,209 176,698 220,095 193,009 204,845 178,441 195,714 Grand totals 830,064 560,595 268,925 1,659,584 708,842 j 080,860 213,947 708.842 1,663,649