THE COAL SUPPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1919, Page 3

THE COAL SUPPLY.

| SENDING COAL TO AUSTRALIA. [r.'Eß CHESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.) WELLINGTON, June 27. j There was no response by the water- j siders when a call was made this after- j noon for labour to tranship coal from j the Komata to the Banvon for the j latter to take to Australia for Admiralty purposes. It is understood that the men object to coal going out of the country when there is such a serious j shortage in New Zealand.

THE BARWON’S CARGO

A MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION. i WELLINGTON, June 27. Hon Mr Myers makes a statement regarding the Barwon’s cargo of coal for Australia. He said; Tins collier would never have brought coal to the Dominion if an equivalent quantity of West Coast coal could not have been guaranteed the Admiralty in return. She brought over a full shipment of Australian coal, which was allocated to essential industries in Dunedin. After discharge the Barwon proceeded to the Coast to load a return shipment of coal, but, on account of her draught, had to proceed to Wellington to load a further 1300 tons on top of what she loaded at Westport.

barwon LEAVES WELLINGTON

HOUSEHOLDERS GET 700 TONS

WELLINGTON, June 27. The Barwon did not get a full cargo here, hut left 700 tons short. Messrs Roberts and Glover of the Watersidcrs’ Union to-day called upon the Minister Hon. Mr Myers, and stated that the watersidcrs refused to toad any more coal into the Barwon, unless they were supplied with 60 tons of coal among themselves to meet their own domestic requirements. Hon. Mr Myers then placed the question before the Cabinet. It was decided by Cabinet that the distribution of coal must be on an equitable basis, without preference being given to any section of the community. Mr Myers conveyed this decision to Messrs Glover and Roberts. The (Minister, in doing so, pointed out that New Zealand had already received a similar quantity of Australian coal by the Barwon and said the Dominion was morally hound to carry out the compact that had been entered into. On this decision of the Cabinet being conveyed to to the watersidcrs. the men refused to complete loading the Barwon.

' Tlio Shipping Company then decided to dispatch the Barwon without the balance of the 1300 tons of coal. Tlio Minister therefore has now given : instructions for the 700 tons romain- ! ing of the 1300 to be allocated for liouse- ( hold requirements in Wellington. ( Other colliers have now arrived from

the West Coast and a further 700 tons has been released here. The Wellington gas crisis was relieved by the arrival during the night of the Karamn with 900 tons of coal, which discharge began at 8 this morning. The supply is sufficient for a week. Other overdue colliers also arrived. ALTERED TRAIN SERVICE. CHRISTCHURCH, June 27. 1 Under the curtailed railway service there will he no express train to Dunedin. The journey from Christchurch to the southern city will now occupy two days. A train will leave Christchurch i each day at 11 15. a.m., and will travel j as far as Timaru, arriving at 0.15 p.m. ! Passengers for Dunedin will remain the

night at Tiinaru and will deport by train, leaving about 7.30. next morning aml arriving at "Dunedin about the same hour in the evening. There will bo a. similar service from Dunedin, a train arriving at Tiinaru at 7.15. next morning, arriving at Christchurch at 3 p.m. GREY CO AD FOR CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCUR-CH, -Tune 27. The City Council's Coal Committee has now arranged for GOO tons of the best household coal to be shipped from Oreymouth to Christchurch, reaching here at the cud of next week. It is intended to arrange for similar hipments

weekly. ■As to the distribution of Uie Muniripal shipments, the Mayor states the coal will he offered to the retailers at a price which will allow them a lair profit. If the retailers decline to lako • the coni, then the Municipal authorities will dispose of it direct to customers.