COAL SUPPLIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1921, Page 4

COAL SUPPLIES.

In conversation with one of out stall j to-day (says the Grey Star), Mr J. D. Lynch, who returned from Wellington and Christchurch on Saturday even-1 jpg stated:—“Few people will realise that my hurried visit to Christchurch and Wellington last week was primarily to sell coal cargoes, but if any one doubts and cares to call at the office of Mark Sprot and Co., we can show them the true position. Christchurch merchants are absolutely stocked with coal, and have refused to accept any more West Coast coal, except coal suitable for gas purposes. The position in Wellington is similar; there is abundance of coal in the centres, but not the household quality. I reported the matter to the Prime Minister before his departure from Wellington and also Departmental officers, but obtained little satisfaction, except information that the Dominion is fully stocked and more coming. Most of th 0 shipping exporters from Greymouth are finding the market weak owing to the huge importations. I try not to be pessimistic, but at the moment it appears that there will Ixi the greatest difficulty in keeping the Reefton mines going unless the coat from those mines can be screened and landed in better condition than now appertains. Owing to thje conditions prevailing in the Dominion the big meat companies and other large consumers are only buying hand to south supplies, having largely contracted for shipments from overseas. The coal being shipped from the Reefton District in particular brings material revenue to the Railways. Harbour Board, and those employed on the wharves, and if the Reafton mines have to curtail their output it will entail loss and hardship. I consider it a duty to point out the position instead of waiting u'ntil the market has quite gonle. Numerous freighters are coming into the Dominion with coal, and unless we look after ourselves we will be up against j it. At the moment my firm is troubled 1 to dispose of immediate shipments and

we are not alone in that respect. It is not a question of price, hut quality and some Coast coals are not after

discharge from steamers, standing up to trade requirements.”