MUNICIPAL COAL DEPOT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 841, 19 May 1910, Page 3

MUNICIPAL COAL DEPOT.

[TO THE EDITOR.]

Sir. — I read an article in your issue of May 12th, re the Municipal Coal Depot, which tells us we can gel State coal at the wharf in four ton lots at 5s per ton, plus wharfage and cartage. What is the good of that ? You know the majority of consumers can only manage to get a bag at a time, therefore the tour ton lots are confined to the few wealthy residents and are no benefit to the general public. Whereas if the Council started a depot I take it that they would sell anything from a hundred-weight up at a reasonable price. The article stated that il some Middle Man Monopolist was bleeding consumers then Cr Robinson would be justified in asking the Council lor protection, and lurther it stated that the State has already smashed the "black diamond monopoly.” I say if so, it has not been in vogue in Foxton, only in four ton lots. I know that I am one of the numerous victims of the Middle Man Monopolist at three shillings and sixpence per bag, and half slack at that. Now, the . Council stated that the Minister ol Mines had offered to supply the Council with unscreened coal at twentyone shillings and sixpence per ton, so that they should be able to retail it at say two shillings and sixpence per bag, instead ol us being bled of three shillings and sixpence per bag, and altuough the new company say they will sell at irom nineteen shillings and sixpence per ton, there is no telling how long they will do so, as I suppose they belong to the coal vend. Whereas if there was a Municipal Depot, well stocked, the people would have some security against any more Middle Man Monopolist.—l am, etc.,

Sing lb Faggbr

[To the Editor.]

Sir, —I think an agent of the Society tor the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should be appointed in this district for I have noticed horses being driven along our streets totally unfitted to do the work required ot them. I am also reliably informed that it is the custom of a certain party to rush animals from early morning till evening without giving them time lor a proper mid-day meal. When a man in his greed for the almighty dollar so far forgets what is due to his beast of burden he deserves to be publicly exposed and it would do no harm if he were similarly treated, i hope this letter will have the effect intended. If it does not, sir, then I will lodge a complaint with the police. —Yours etc, Humanity.