PRICE OF COAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 247, 12 July 1919, Page 7

PRICE OF COAL

PROTESTS AGAINST THE INCREASE THE COUNTRY'S TRADE THREATENED flj Toleffraph-'-PreM Aasociation-Conyrieh! London, July 10. There are many protests from industrial centres against tho increase in tho price of coal. Manufacturers in Sheffield, Nottingham, and Bradford are alarmed at tho prospect of losing the country's trade. The "Daily News" asserts that tho increase is a political manoeuvre to discredit nationalisation.— A.115.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WIDESPREArTcONSTERNATION , THE NATIONALISATION QUESTION. (Rec. July 11, 5.55 p.m.) London, July 10. There is widespread consternation in industrial circles at lhe increase in. the price of coal.. The miners regard.the increase as a challenge to their demand for nationalisation of the mines. The Miners' Conference at Keswick on July 15 will probably decide to take a national ballot: on tho question of a strike early in August, to enforce immediate nationalisation. , Sir Chiozza Money asserts that official figures show that there is no justification, for the increase. The electricians threaten lo.extinguish Loudon's peaco illuminations—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.MINBRS WILL DEMAND. AN ■ INQUIRY. -. . (Rec; July 11, 5.5. p.m.) ■ London, July 10. Mr. R. Smillie (president of the Miners-' Federation) regards the increase of 6s. per. ton in the price of coal as a bombshell. The extra cost should have been mot by tho previous increase of half-a-orown a ton. ' The miners will demand an inquiry. The coal-owners declare Ihat they will not receive any part of the increase. Their, profit romains fixed at-fourteen pence per ton.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. iron markeTparalysed COST OF THE INCREASE TO GAS ' COMPANIES. (Rec. July 11, 10.30 p.m.) London, July 11. Tho increased price of coal has paralysed tho Birmingham iron market, and quotations nro suspended. It is estimated that tho British gas companies' coal bill will be increased six million pounds annually. Sir High Bell, the well-known ironmaster, declares that British steel will net be able to contpeto in the markets of the world. Mr. Hodges, the miners' secretary, has issued a detailed statement with a view to proving that the coal situation can bo met without increasing the price to consumers. Over three hundred members of the House of Commons have signed a memorial to the Prime Minister against the nationalisation of the mines. More signatures are expected.— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.