THE COAL SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1919, Page 2

THE COAL SHORTAGE.

MR. SEMPLE'S STATEMENTS. By Telegraph. —Press Assop'ation. Wellington, August 2. Mr Semple, M.P., states he lias received confidential reports as to the railway coal stocks between Wellington and Prankton Junction, lie says that his information is from reliable quarters and he is positive that there is no justification for the present chaotic state of affairs brought about by the railway "cut." Mr Semple's report states that at Paekakarild there is plenty of coal. The Palmerston North yard is full up and a few clays ago the authorities aslced where the extra coal that was coming was to be stored. At Cross Creek, Marton and Taihape similar conditions are reported. In Wellington there are at least 3000 tons in the bins and yards. He demands a public inquiry. ME. M'VILLY'S REPLY. Wellington, August 2. Interviewed regarding Mr Semple's allegations as to 'a sufficiency of ■ coal stocks held by tho Railway Department, Mr M'Villy stated that for the week ended July 12 the gross total held in all depots from Auckland to Bluff was 8350 tons; for the week ended July 19, 10,291 tons; for the week ended July 2G, 8900 tons. On July 12 there was only 130 tons at Paekakarild, and on Monday last 50 tons. At Palmerston North, from which supplies ■ aro drawn for depots as far north as Taumarunui and on occasions Napier and the Wanganui line as far as Hawera and even New Plymouth, only IdOO tons was held on Monday. At Cross Creek, which was also drawn upon replenish other depots, there was but 425 tons, while at Marton there was 75. Instead of 3000 tons at Wellington, as asserted by Mr Senjple, there was only 560 tons. He wished the public definitely to understand that the coal stocks are as set out in the statements recently placed before the public. It was much to be regretted that statements should be made without first-hand information.