ROWLEY : OUR COAL RESOURCES. 
441 
attention of the Government has been rightly called to the 
fact. The structure of the South Wales coalfield differs from 
that of the Midland coalfield in being entirely exposed ; it prac- 
tically forms a complete basin, so that the resources can almost 
be ascertained witli exactitude — tliere are no concealed re- 
sources. There is not the slightest doubt that the subject is one 
that requires to be dealt with at once ; the needs of the Navy 
are known, and tlie tonnage required for the next generation 
or two can be ascertained. \\'hy not, then, bespeak the coal 
now while we have it ? The solution to the difficulty seems to 
be in the Government securing the lease of the areas remaining 
yet to be worked and keeping them in reserve, not allowing 
them to become the property of private capitalists, who would 
require very much enhanced prices. The taking up of the 
remaining areas would go far to secure the future supplies of our 
naval coal. I cannot conclude without again urging how great 
is the importance of this matter to the nation, on account of 
our naval supplies, and also in case of need for the supply of that 
necessary adjunct — the merchant service. So far no substitute 
has been found, and, in my opinion, it is not likely that one 
will be found, and as the supply is comparatively limited, we 
must consider wliether it is advisable to so liberally supply the 
navies of other countries with this valuable commodity. 
* * * * 
Since the above address was given, the Final Report of the 
Hoyal Commission on Coal Su^jplies has been pubhshed. 
To briefly summarise the results obtained — 
(1) The Commission have adopted as the limit of mining 
a depth of 4,000 feet. 
(2) The minimum thickness which has been included in 
the estimates is 1 foot. 
(3) The estimated coal resources of the proved coalfields 
not exceeding 4,000 feet in depth are given as 
100,914,668,167 tons. 
>(4) The estimated coal resources of the concealed and un- 
proved coalfields, at depths less than 4,000 feet, 
is 39,483,840,000 tons. 
