SHORTAGE OF COAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 March 1920, Page 4

SHORTAGE OF COAL.

GAS SUPPLY ENDANGERED. STOPPAGE NARROWLY AVERTED* The stoppage of the gas supply in New Plymouth was narrowly averted yesterday. The Gas Company is working on borrowed supplies, and is only maintaining its output from day to day. More coal will be required this morning, and it is expected to be forthcoming "to hold the fort" until another borrowed supply is available this evening. Tne crisis came about through, tho weather of last week delaying the despatch of the steamer Kokiri from Wellington to New Plymouth. The vessel left Grcymouth over a week ago for New Plymouth, via Wellington, with coal on board for the New Plymouth Gas Company. Unfortunately, the weather interfered with her movements, and she has now been diverted back to Weatport to load an additional quantity of coal for this port. She had on board 250 tons for the New Plymouth, 35 tons for the Hawera, and 15 tons for the Elthani gas worlos. The Kokiri is expected about Wednesday or Thursday. Until this coal arrives the Gas Company is at the; mercy of its friends. WHO IS TO BLAME? In connection with the trouble Mr. A. S. Collins, Deputy-Chairman of the Wellington Coal Trade Committee, made tha following statement last night:— "It has been reported that the local gas works may have to close down owing to the shortage of coal occasioned by the non-arrival of the Kokiri, which vessel has been diverted to Weatport to bring back a full lead of coal (about 1200 tons) for New Plymouth. If the works have to temporarily close down—< which 1 hope will be obviated—it will entirely be the fault of those who rutt the works, and not of the Wellington Coal Trade Committee, who control supplies for Taranaki. "I have personally pointed out to the management from time to time that if they wish to run the works exclusively on one mine's coal then they would have to take the responsibility 'in the event of supplies from that quarter not being forthcoming. Their predicament is the result of that policy. "Only a short time ago the gas work* were offered 156 tons of Newcastle coal to. keep the works going, and as a reserve, but they only accepted 50 tons. A debt of gratitude is due by gas con»nClVo,th<> local Hftrbor Board, the Bell Block Dairy Co., and Messrs. N R Bendall and Co. for tiding the Gas Company over the present and pant disabilities owing to coal .shortage. "The Kokiri should arrive on Wednesday with coal far the gas works, and sufficient to relieve industries. It has been- the aim, and will continue to be the aim, of the Committee I am associated with to keep the wheels qf industry going as regards coal supplies, but w'e will refuse to accept anv responsibility for the stoppage of any works occasioned by the management in refusing coal i supplies when tendered."