COAL DISTRIBUTION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10284, 20 May 1919, Page 6

COAL DISTRIBUTION

(To the Editor "N.Z. Times.")

Sir, —In your sub-lender of the 16th inst., in reference to the coal difficulyon say wo must accept tho Minister's (Mr Myers's) statement that there is no unfairness in the method of coal distribution. I prefer to take Mr P. l''rnscr's word, ns he has been in touch with the consumers much more than Btr Mve». I myself have had great difficully in procuring; coal sufficient for my household, but a neighbour seems to be in touch with the oracle. If the Minister wants proof that unfairness exists in the method of distribution let him go to the State Coal Offico and see tho books and interview a few of the carters. Mr. P. Frnser received his information in confidence because few would willingly incriminate' their neighbours; personally, I gave Mr Fraser certain particulars in confidence and ho followed up tho matter to tho State Coal Office. Tho allegation of unfairness is not an attack on tho retailers alone; it is nn attack on tho .State Coal Office. In this office the prospective customer is faced with tho ' notico that no orders can be taken for ten days; no date on tho notice, it seems to stand for eternity. You say the Minister lias done his; best; well,' it is a poor best. Certain interests are being served before public interests, and tho sooner we get a department that puts community interest before class interests the b( trer. f have to thank th" member for Wellington Central for the trouble ho lias | gone to in this n» , - t '" t Wvo to

thank Mr -Myers and a class-conscious State Coal Office for an empty coalbin and tho pleasure of knowing that my neighbour is warm and that there is" at least one fire in the neighbourhood.

The manager at tho State Coal Office would not question a certain carter in my presence; perhaps Mr Myers is able to get the necessary information. COLD.