THE COAL VEND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 21 September 1907, Page 5

THE COAL VEND.

POSSIBLE BREACH OF ANTI-TRUST LAW. Rqpelved Sept. 20, 11.41 p.m. Melbourne, September 20. In connection with the Newcastle coal vend, the question was asked in the House of Representatives whether there was any power in the antitrust law to prevent a monopoly in coal from materialising. J Sir William Lync, in reply, said it struck him there was power to deal with what seemed like a monopoly in coal. He would consult the Attorney-General on the matter.

PROBABLE EFFECT ON THE COLON V. Per Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. A Dunedin gentleman p.-ominentiv identified with the Newcastle coal trade was interviewed to-day on t'.ie subject of the Coal Vend. He said two important factors were responsible f .r the present position of affairs. One oi them was the harassing condition, imposed by various coalminers' uni.:-. and the other was the phenomenal increase in the demand for Newcastle c.ul in the East, a demand which assuredly would increase rather than decrea"." Asked what the probable effect would be in this colony, the speaker said he believed it would lead to a further increase of 2s per ton before the close of the present year.

Do you think New Zealand shipping Companies are in any way responsible tor the combine and increase in price? "Not at all. Owing to the demnad elsewhere the colliery proprietors are not Very particular whether they supply Hew Zealand with any coal or refuse their orders. All the coal-carrying companies interested must take what" thev can get or go without. This, of course. affects New Zealand vessels seriously. because it reduces their prospects of back loading. I estimate that our shortage during the past twelve months in Newcastle coal alone amounted to 20.0110 tons. Included in this amount was one order from the Government for 4000 tons which we could not look at because we could not get delivery at Newcastle. The outlook is not at all bright. Fortunately the advent of summer will reduce the demand considerably for a time, but until the Stockton and Parapara coal mines get into full swing in the West Coast we wffl have to submit to the present conditions. At any rate, as matters now stand, it would seem that the Union Company have a complete monopoly of the coal-carrying trade to this colony, with the exception of small cargoes lieing carried by the Craig line of sailing vessels, and" it is considered doubtful if the latter will be accorded that privilege much longer."