THE COAL SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 95, 16 January 1920, Page 7

THE COAL SHORTAGE

APPEAL TO CONSUMERS. ■ Tho Pctone Borough Council, and coal merchants in I'ctone. Uiave received the following circular from the secretary or the Coal Trade Committee, with reference to the coal shortage:"Owing to the continued go-slow policy and the incroasinff shortage of all classes of,coal, especially screened coal for domestic purposes, Mho outlook for the coming winter is not rwi'sm-ins. "Tho committee find that the supplies in sight are very small, and, unless tho greatest care is exercised, considerable difficulty will bo experienced in carrying on, before same can bo brought back to a reasonable level. "You arc. therefore, earnestly requested to persuade your clients, in their own interests, to purchase and endeavorfr to accumulate stocks of firewood and coke, so as to enable them to have fuel for the coming winter. "Tho committee understand that nlenty of firewood is now available, and by ordering at tiho present time cutlers will take advantage of the fine weather and forward as much wood as possible to tho city." SUPPLIES FOR THRASHING SEASON. Ht 'Tolosrrnnh—Prnfis .*"delation Christchurch, January 15. Mr. D. Jones, M.P., and Mr. J. Bitchcner, M.P., interviewed tho Prime Minister in connection with the supply of coal for the grain thrashing season, as the present small quantity available is causing much uneasiness to farmers and machine proprietors. Mr. Mas.iev agreed to divert a cargo or coal, consisting of 5000 tons, at present on its way from South Africa, to Canterbury, for thrashing purposes. EFFECT ON DAIRY FACTORIES. By ToleKranh—Special Oorreopondent. Palmorston North, January 15. During the past week sonic of the leading dairy-factories in the Manawatu district have been within 48 hours oi" a. stoppage owing to tho want of coal.