THE COAL COMBINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2191, 21 September 1907, Page 2

THE COAL COMBINE.

NO INCREASE OF PRICE IN NEW ZEALAND. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 20. With reference to tlio alleged Newcastle coal “vend,” a j)rominent coal dealer hero, and ono of the agents for tho Newcastle coal, states that the' price of tho imported coal will not advance in Now Zealand on account of tho State competition, and he anticipates that importers of Newcastle coal will, on account of the recent advance, drop Is per ton of their l>rofits.

RIG DEMAND PROM THE EAST. CRAIG SAILERS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED. DUNEDIN, Sept. 20. A Dunedin gentleman, prominently identified with tho Newcastle coal trade, was interviewed to-day on the subject of tho coal “vend.” He said two important factors were responsible for tho present position of affairs. Ono of them was the harassing conditions imposed by the various coal minors’ unions, and the other was the phenomenal increase in ’ho demand for Newcastle coal in Uio East, a demand which assuredly would increase rather than decrease. Asked what tho probable effect would bo in this colony, he said lie believed it would lead to a further increase of 2s per ton before tho dose of tho present year. “Do you think tho New Zealand shipping companies are in any way responsible for the combine and increase in price?” “No. It is all owing to the demand elsewhere. The colliery proprietors are not very particular whether they supply New Zealand with any coal or refuse their orders. All tho coalcarrying companies interested must take what they can got or go without. This, of course, affects New Zealand vessels seriously, because it reduces their prospects of back locoing. I estimate that our shortage during the past 12 months in Newcastle coal alone amounted to 20,000 tons. Included in this amount was ono order from the Government for 4000 tons, which we could not look at because we could not get delivery at Newcastle. The outlook is not at all bright. Fortunately the advent of summer will reduce the demand considerably for a time, but until the Stockton and Parapara coal mints get into full swing on the West Coast we will have to submit to the present condition. At any rate, as matters now stand it would seem that the Union Company have a complete monopoly of the coal-carrying trare to this colony, with the exception of small caTgoes being carried by _tne Craig line of sailing vessels, and it considered doubtful if the latter w 11 be accorded that privilege much longer.”