COAL SELLING.

Evening Star, Issue 3228, 25 June 1873, Page 3

COAL SELLING.

To the Editor, Sir, —Eecent disclosures respecting the conduct of business in a certain branch of the coal trade having created in some minds an impression that the practice brought to light is common with every dealer, we beg you will afford us space to disabuse the public mind of the idea that their indignation is not shared in almost every coal yard in the City. Shortly after our entering into the business, about three months ago, we discovered that a very determined effort was being made to cut ua out of any participation in ( profit that could be honestly realised between cost and selling prices* and, as we asked nothing but a fair field and no favor, we were equally determined that if an unscrupulous opponent us the innocent cause of a public wrong, we would, in return, become the active medium for its suppression. To this end we placed ourselves in communication with a dealer of unimpeach* able honesty, and from him we lesrsed suffi» cient to confirm the suspicions we entertained. Prosecuting our inquiries still further, we were put in possession of facts simi'ar to, but still more glaring than those which Mr Larnach has made public in his letter of yesterday. These are the simple facta of the matter, and we leave it to the public to judge whether it is their interest or our own ends we wish to serve. As a protective measure, more especially to that class of customers alluded to by “North Ender” in this morning’s Daily Times, we would suggest that the London practice be enforced which compels every coal dealer to carry in bis waggon a pair of scales, upon which buyers may see their purchases weighed at their door, —We are, &c., Martin 4N9 Watson. Dunedin, June 25,