COAL, varying in grade from anthracite to lignite, occurs in many parts of New Zealand. In proportion to the present yearly consumption of somewhat under 2,500,000 tons (about 10 % of which is imported), the supply may be considered relatively large, but in comparison with probable future needs it is decidedly small. It is likely, indeed, that the proved coal resources of the Dominion will be practically exhausted within 100 years, and if the present wasteful methods of extraction continue, the end- of the higher grade coals, at least-will be in sight much sooner. Although, owing to fairly thorough exploration, the quantity of proved bituminous coal is over 37 % of the total proved coal, there can be no doubt that the chief fuel reserve of the Dominion (excluding possible oil-fields) lies in its brown coal and lignite. The areas over which coal-bearing rocks outcrop are considerable, and there are still larger areas covered by younger rocks under which coal-measures are possibly present. It has to be pointed out, however, that there are several factors, each present to an unusual degree, which make it necessary heavily to discount any computation based only on area of coal-measures and thickness of known outcrops of coal.