STATE "ENTERPRISE."

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1434, 8 May 1912, Page 4

STATE "ENTERPRISE."

Sir,—Kindly allow me a few inches of space in your columns to lay before the public my experience (a cold one) of our State Coal Department. It may .serve as a warning to the unwary, and perhaps be the means of introducing at least a glimmer of fair dealing to the Department. On last Tuesday I ordered and paid for some eoal, and was faithfully promsicd delivery next day, on the Wednesday, seeing my stock on hand running out, I though it a wise move to jog the memory of the Departnj'iit, and was assured I would have it before 5 p.m. Wednesday passed, but no coal came. On Thursday morning I again rang rip the Department, who were full of regrets and apologies: "It was an oversight. Would I mind hanging- on a minute until the speaker saw about it?" Finally, "The coal 'was now on the way, and should bo delivered within the next hour." By Thursday afternoon there was still no coal. I rang up the Department, and was confidently assured it would be delivered in an hour'or so: "In fact, it was now leaving the yard." Thursday passed, and no eoal arrived. I rang up three times on Friday, and got the same answers. KureIv, tile public ought to be protected from such treatment. If this is State enterprise, save us from such. When an explanation is asked for, you may be sure one will easily be forthcoming, like the coal leaving the yard, which has not yet arrived.—l am, etc., FAMISHED. ■Wellington, May 3.