WELFARE LEAGUE AND THE COAL SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 194, 12 May 1921, Page 5

WELFARE LEAGUE AND THE COAL SUPPLY

Sir,—Replying to the comments of your correspondent “Brunner" is yesterday’s paper, we desire to make it clear that many inquiries are made of us, not only in Wellington, but in other centres, as to the necessity for continued control of coal. We therefore raised the point in our short article in hopes of having an official statement of the coal supply from the proper quarter. We are aware that the Coal Control Committees are composed of public-spir-ited men who do their work for nothing; we also understand that these committees are subject to the Minister in charge, and the two combined form the Department controlling coal. "Brunner” has tried to make a point of onr use of the word “department”; if that is technically the. wrong expression wo will gladly use some other—when w® know what word they prefer. The league has asked for the information respecting tho available coal supplies and the necessity for controlling the same, because it does not believe in artificial control of any commodity unless it is distinctly in the interests of the community, and wo trust this information will be forthcoming from an official source, for though ‘‘Brunner’s letter is obviously written or inspired by a member of tho committee, it is not official. "Brunner’s” suggestion that Um league turns its attention to buying coal is. of course, ridiculous, and has nothing to do with the matter.

To be quite clear, we should like to have replies to the following questions:— (1) Is the supply of coal in other centres to householders limited to such small deliveries as in Wellington? If not. why not? (2) Is there less coal available for general use in Wellington than in the other large centres? i

These questions are of public interest, and the official reply will satisfy ths public as to the necessity for continued close control cr otherwise.

We are not opening the question with anv ulterior motive, and with all duo deference to "Brunner” we venture to adhere to tho opinion that the exceedingly small deliveries allowed to householders does increase the cost to them, and should be avoided if it is possible.— I am, etc..

ARTHUR P. HARPER, Secretary.