COAL WAR STARTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1078, 16 September 1930, Page 10

COAL WAR STARTS

SERIES OF PRICE-FALLS ANNOUNCED HUNTLY MINES INVOLVED War has been declared in the Huntly coal world and, with coalmining companies of the Waikato working more or less as separate entities, a series of price reductions have been announced over the past few weeks. The "war” really started when the Taupiri Coal Mines, Ltd., secured the contract for the supply of coal to the Railways Department. In previous years the contract had been split up smonK most of the operating companies. The securing of this contract by Taupiri was taken as an indication that this company had broken from the association, and the "war” started jn earnest. Kitchen coal, which was selling on the trucks at Huntly at 24s 6d a ton, less 5 per cent., dropped to 22s 6d and then to 21s 6d. Household coal, which was selling at 30s 6d on the trucks at Huntly, less 5 per cent., has been brought down to 25s 6d. At the moment there appears little unanimity in the coal world, and further reductions in price would not be unexpected. The feeling of unrest has spread to the South Island companies, and it is reported that even down there something in the nature of a split in the association would not be unexpected. In the meantime the householder benefits. A mee.ing of coal retailers to discuss the position in regard to prices is being held this afternoon.

IMPORTATION OF COAL

WEST COAST PROTEST Press Association Cl RE YMO UTII, }londay. A meeting o£ representatives of local bodies, mine owners and miners* organisations of the Grey district this evening discussed the depression in the coal industry, and the frequent loss of w orking days, particularly at the Grey Valley mines. A resolution was carried protesting against the action of the Government in importing overseas coal to the Dominion to the detriment of its own products. It was also decided that a deputation representing all local interests should proceed to Wellington to. request the Government to stop the importation of coal, to spread the period of the reduction of railway stocks of coal over six months at least, and to restore the orders for coal to the former level.