MUNICIPAL COAL DEPOT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1055, 11 June 1912, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COAL DEPOT.

MOTION LOST,

A motion proposing that the Council should enter into the coal business was brought forward at last night’s meeting by Cr Richmond, who moved that this Council undertake to supply coal to the citizens, seeing that residents have a difficulty in procuring coal from coal dealers. The mover said he had been approached by several people in connection with the Council supplying coal. Seeing that they had to purchase coal for the gasworks, they could easily arrange for a supply of household coal also. The coal could be sold for cash. He knew that at various times the residents couldn’t get coal and it would be a great benefit to the people if the borough had a depot tor the sale of same.

Cr Adams seconded the motion pro forma. He didn’t agree with entering into competition with private enterprise in small districts and therefore couldn’t support the motion.

Cr Greig was not in favour of the motion. He didn’t approve of the Council taking up the conduct ot businesses which are usually taken up by private individuals. The difficulty in obtaining coal at the present time was general throughout the Dominion. Cr Coley also opposed the motion.

The Mayor said the matter had been discussed at length by the Council some time ago. The reason why there had been a shortage ot coal was because dealers couldn’t get supplies. Had the Council been selling coal they would have been in exactly the same position. The motion was lost.