THE COAL SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 176, 21 April 1919, Page 6

THE COAL SHORTAGE

Sir, —I see the Auckland Gas Company say they may have to close down owing to the non-supply of Newcastle coal. Rather a good thing, too. Many years a»o we heard a lot;about Westport coal and its wonderful steaming qualities in connection with a gunboat called the Calliope. One is inclined to wonder if the Westport coal is now non-existent. Moreover, are there no coal mines in New Zealand from which to procure coal suitable for gas production? I take it the closing down of all gas companies in New Zealand would be a blessing in disguise. Our progressive National Government would then see the advisability of liarnosing our'natural water power for electricity, without delay. With the enormous supply of coal at. our doors, it is surprising to the layman why a responsible Government do not lav hold of the matter of coal supply with both hands and feet and e.llay this continual cry of -short supply of coal. Tar "better pay the miners 10s. oer ton extra for their labour than fattening "Shipping companies by paying huge amounts in freights for oversen coal. That opens up the question of State mines. The Government should be the sole proprietors of overs coal mine in the Dominion. The companies as now existing have failed in their efforts to grapple with the question effectually, so let the Government take a hand and do away with monopoly. ThankfiJg you in anticipation,—l am, etc.. STATE COAL: April 17, 1919. [Our correspondent apparently is not awaro that there has been quite as much trouble over the State, coal mines as over the privately-owned mines.]