AMERICAN COAL FOR NEW ZEALAND.

Taihape Daily Times, 10 June 1919, Page 3

AMERICAN COAL FOR NEW ZEALAND.

.-\merican coal, brought to the Dominion by the Government, is to be distributed in Christchurch during the week, says the ‘ Sun,” and for this tlfe house-holder will be asked to pa}? the almost prohibitive price of 80/ a, ton, less 3/ for cash, or 6/9 per bag, Up to now the Government has had first claim on all 0031 brought to the Dominion, and its decision to allow 4,800 tons imported by it for railway purposes to be distributed" instead amongst essential industries and the general trade was haikd as an unusual act of muni:f:'iconco., True, it was stated that the coal, which is of the steam grade, was found to be un-

suitable for railway purposes, but as a shipment of American coal had landed in Wellington, the experience, as to quality, according to those in -the trade, was found to be exactly {He reverse of that stated. Possibly the reason for the Govei-inncntfs apparent generosity is that it has found that it can secure ‘Australian coal for its own purposes at a cheaper ratc_ Despite the Australian strike shipments are still arriving in the Dominion.