THE COAL PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 296, 10 September 1919, Page 8

THE COAL PROBLEM

AND INCREASED PRICES. References to the increases made in the prices of coal by the northern companies on account of' the "go-slow" policy in the mines were made in the Hou6o of Representatives yesterday. Mr. Seniple drew the attention of th« Prime Minister to what had been dons, and asked whether/ an opportunitywould be giveu'to the House to discuss the coal situation as soon -as possible, 6ceing that the matter one In which the-whole community'was vitally interested. Tho employees and the employers had met to discuss the dispute, but no settlement had been made, and he thought members of tho House should concern themselves about getting a settlement of this trouble for the benefit of the community generally, Mr. Massey said that members would have an opportunity Of discussing the coal difficulty when the Coal Mines Bill was before the House. Referring to the increases in price, he had already taken steps- to deal with this matter, and it had already been referred to the Board of Trade. ■ ■ •

.• PRICES RAISED. Advice has been received in Wellington that the Taupiri coal mines havo increased the cost of their coal owing to the "gojslow" policy of tho miners. Household coal has been increased by is. 6d.' per ton, 6team coal by: 45., "through" coal by 3s. Od., and 6lack by 2s. ' . ' •