COAL FOR AUSTRALIA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 656, 7 May 1929, Page 9

COAL FOR AUSTRALIA

N.Z. BENEFITS FROM N.S.W. HOLD-UP SUPPLIES FOR MELBOURNE

Because of the New fc>outh AN ale.? coal stopple, Victorian consumers, including companies, have arranged to import bis: coal supplies from N*w Zealand and Great Britain. The Union Steiira Ship Companj s freighter Kaikorai discharged a big shipment of New Zealand coal in Melbourne recently, and the Kaitoke arrived there with a further consignment of 4,000 tons. Althoi | panics and shipping representatives are reluctant to discuss the matter, it is certain that shipments of coal from Great Britain are due to fulfil Victorian orders within a few weeks, says a Melbourne paper. Representatives of South Afric m colliery owners are also making a keen bid for a share in Australia's coal market. Imports Kept Secret Close secrecy shrouded these imports, because those concerned did not to embarrass the parties who are endeavouring to settle the coal trouble in New South Wales. Coal-owners outside the Commonwealth were only too ready to supply* the goods at a satisfactory price, anti there is competition for further orders from several sources. The exact price of tho New Zealand and British consignments ordered for Melbourne has not yet been revealed, but it is known that the amounts are sveral shillings a ton lower than the cost of cargoes shipped from Newcastle. It costs from 37s to 40s a ton to land the best New iSouth Wales coal at Melbourne. Two months ago, a shipment of the best Lnglish coal was landed m. Tasmania for 20s a ton. Recently, the South Australian Go\ - ernmont called for tenders for the supply of coal for the railways. As tho oversea tenderers Quoted rates mu< h cheaper than the New South Wales collieries, it was decided to postpone the matter and give a further opportunity for reducing costs in the Aus** tralian industry. This contract will be worth manj* thousands of pounds to the ful tenderer. New Zealand Benefits New Zealand fields have benefited greatly by the New South Wales stoppage. In addition to the Victorian orders, they are supplying bunkers foe vessels which formerly relied on New*castle for supplies The Kaikorai (New Zealand coal) is said to be excellent for steaming purposes. Although only occasional New Sou»n Wales shipments from the southern, mines which are still working have been arriving at Melbourne, there Has been no shortage for ordinary users and householders. In previous stoppages the position became serious in Victoria almost at once. Until recently the gas companies and other big consumers held substantial stocks in reserve. The prolonged nature of the trouble, however, has told heavily on the reserves, and the companies could not take the risk of the dispute continuing for a long period.