C—2b

4

Comparative Statement of Outputs and Importations for the Seven Months of the Current Year ended 31st July, 1921, in comparison with the Corresponding Period of 1920.

The business of the Firewood Depot continues to expand, the general public appreciating the facilities provided for obtaining supplies of the best firewood at reasonable cost. During the financial year 2,830 cords of firewood were disposed of, and the depot at the 31st March last held a stock of 2,416 cords of first-grade firewood. Sales during the past few months have been somewhat slow owing to the exceptionally mild winter, but a change to colder conditions should bring about an improvement in this respect. The depot is now capable of dealing with an outturn of from 30 to 40 cords daily. Labour-saving devices have been installed wherever possible in order to minimize handling and to reduce working-expenses to the lowest possible point. During the year a slight increase was made in the selling-rates of all grades of wood to cover the advance in price demanded by wood-suppliers in the country districts, and to provide for increases in railway freights, cartage, and labour employed in the yard. Notwithstanding the increase referred to, juices are lower than those charged by competing firms for similar classes of wood. Inquiries made in country towns adjacent to the sources of supply indicate that the rates charged to householders there are considerably in excess of the present selling-rates from the Government depot. There is no doubt that the establishment of the Firewood Depot during a period of acute shortage of coal for domestic use lias been of great benefit to the householders of Wellington and suburbs, and has minimized the inconvenience and hardship they would otherwise have suffered. In consequence of the termination of the activities of the Coal-control Department the Mines Department will in future be charged with the administration of the Firewood Depot as from the Ist September. Before concluding this report I wish to again record my appreciation of the services rendered by the, Coal-trade Committees in the four centres, together with the honorary representatives of same in other districts, for the exceptionally good work they have accomplished in the public interest during the period coal-control has been in operation, and to assure them that the gratuitous services they have rendered are fully appreciated by Government and all consumers of coal throughout the Dominion. The assistance rendered by the Post and Telegraph, Railway Department, and the Harbour Board in connection with the establishment and working of the Firewood Depot is acknowledged ; likewise the assistance of the Customs and Marine Departments, and the Government Statistician's Office in regard to various phases of the Coal-control Department's work. The Collectors of Customs at the different ports have rendered valuable assistance in supplying statistical information relative to coal matters and the movements of steamers carrying coal. I have also to compliment the staffs of the Coal-control Department and the Firewood Depot on the efficient manner in which they have always carried out their duties, and to assure them that their loyal service under sometimes most, difficult and trying circumstances has been appreciated. 1). H. Guthrie, Acting Minister in Charge.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (525 copies), £6.

By Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92l.

Price S'l. |

Monthly Outputs, Important Mines. Importations. Combined ( Impor lutputs and ations. Increase. . 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. __• anuary February larch Lpril lay line uly Tons. 111,132 114,921 144,305 128.787 144,040 152,366 152,642 Tons. 105,911 127,324 136,639 153,544 145,310 144,205 140,141 Tons. 48,475 44,466 45,646 36,078 38,768 35,854 57,644 Tons. 69,116 103,532 86,561 77,596 72,024 81,454 71,564 Tons. 159,607 159,387 189,951 164,865 182,808 188,220 210,286 Tons. 175,027 230,856 223,200 231,140 217,334 225,659 211,705 Tons. 15,420 71,469 33,249 66,275 31,526 37,439 1,419 Totals .. 948,193 953,074 306,931 561,847 1,255,124 1,514,921 259,797