ON THE WEST COAST.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14829, 21 November 1913, Page 11

ON THE WEST COAST.

SUPPLIES RUNNING SHORT.

WESTPORT BAKERS CLOSE

'SPICTATi TO "THM PBESS.")

GREYMOUTH, November 20.

■ Although strike matters remain quiet locally, the pinch is beginning to be severely folt, mainly on account of food supplies, which are running short.

Hokitika is receiving consignments from Timaru and Greymouth, via Bealey Flat, but the situation at Westport is fast becoming acute. Flour, sugar, and potatoes are extremely short, and many 61b packages of sugar or flour aro being posted to Westport residents. The tax on the postal authorities is exceedingly great, as in addition, to considerable quantities of email parcels of the main staff of life which" are being forwarded, all West Coast and a considerable portion of the Nelson mails are being received and forwarded through the local office to Christchurch. It is hoped to relieve the situation at Westport by the arrival of the Mangapapa from Wellington to-night, but eupplies so received will only be sufficient for a few days. The Westport bakers have already shut lip, and the butchers follow suit on Saturday at the latest. The strike fever has spread to the Millerton Hotel, where all the servants "downed tools." In Greymouth another proposal win be made on Saturday to.resume work on the wharves. It is generally felt, however, that not another ounce of coal can be exported this side of Christmas. Local tradespeople are quite reconciled to this, and are not ordering or cancelling Christinas goods ordered.