COAL FOR N.Z.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1921, Page 3

COAL FOR N.Z.

NEWCASTLE’S TROUBLES,

SYDNEY, May 17

Difficulties in the way of filling New Zealand’s coal orders have been causing concern in Newcastle lately. The trouble appears now to have ended. There has been discontent among the Newcastle shipping agents interested in the New Zealand coal trade, because of long delays in securing permits for vessels to load. Several steamers, notably the Garheta, Trewellard, and Broxton, have been tied up for a considerable period waitingfor coal. Those vessels are under charter, and the delay has involved everyone concerned in heavy expense. Tt is pointed out by the Newcastle shipping managers that the embargo placed some'time ago on the-shipment of coal was designed to ensure adequate supplies for Australian requirements, and then preference was to he given to New Zealand. This embargo alreadyhas had a serious effect oil oversea trade, and several companies have stopped chartering tonnage for overseas, owing to the uncertainty of securing coal within a reasonable time. Many of the Newcastle companies have been trading for years with well-known oversea firms, particularly in the East, and the embargo is severing business connexions slowly built up over long

periods. It is now announced that the original terms, of the embargo have been modified, so far ns New Zealand is concerned, so that 5009 tons if coal are guaranteed each week, for New Zealand railway requirements. After the requirements of the States have been met, New Zealand orders generally will have preference over all other overseas orders. After New Zealand wants are mot, orders from other overseas countries may he met.