MUNICIPAL COAL DEPOT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 838, 12 May 1910, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COAL DEPOT.

We feel sure that it was with the very best intentions that Cr. Robinson put his motion through the Council at its last meeting for the establishment of a municipal coal depot in Foxton. We fail to see, however, in what way such a depot would benefit local consumers in view of the fact that State screened coal can be obtained at the wharf in four-ton lots at 25s per ton, plus whartage and carting. The West Coast Steamship and Trading Co. are also prepared to supply first-class household coal at 28s 6d per ton at the bins. No concession will be made to the Council by the State on the above quotation. It would be suicidal for the local Borough Council to squander the ratepayers’ money—even if they had the power to borrow or manipulate the general funds for the purpose named, which we question —to wage a competitive war with coal merchants. The point is this ; Would the ratepayers benefit by setting up a municipal coal depot when consumers can purchase from the State or coal companies at the same price per ton as would be supplied to the Council ? If some middle-man monopolist was bleeding local consumers, then Cr Robinson would be justified in asking the Council for protection, but the State has already covered this ground by smashing up the “ black diamond ” monopolist. As we said previously, while Cr Robinson is actuated by the highest motives, we fail to see that there is any necessity for the establishment of a local municipal coal depot