THE COAL SHORTAGE.

Taihape Daily Times, 16 August 1919, Page 5

TH E COAL SHORTAGE.

NO BACK CARGO FOR COAL SHIPS. The unique position, in which ships bringing Coal from Australia to New Zealand are unable to take back a, load of timber owing to T3ll-way ;.e_ strictions, has been seized by Mr R. W’. Smith, M.P_, Who dispatched the following telegram yesterday to the Prime Minister. The wire is so straight to the point that it requires no explanation:—— ' Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Just heard of yetanother case where railways refused to rail suflicient timber to Auckland to proxifie back large for ship bringing coal from Australia -—the fourth such case, to my knowledge. Would respectfully point out many Australian timber brokers made contracts in advance for supplies of New Zealandtimbers, then sell on forward deliveru to Australian consumers. To ensure fulfilment, of their undert:.l«.rgs with mines and consumers they charter vessels and bring coal as back loading. It is obvious, therefore, it is solely timber they cater for, and if railways continue to refuse to rail suificient to load vessels they will cease sendng them. As you know, timber is the only product we can supply in sufficient quantities to back load vessels bringing coal from Australia, and if this insane policy is continued shipping will be diverted to other channels and lost absolutely to Dominion. Is it any wonder our coal supplies are not increasing as they should‘? Please give -this very important matter your personal and immediate attention. A . R. W. SMITH.