THE POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8982, 16 November 1907, Page 5

THE POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND.

DEMAND FOR BTTNK3R COAL. WEST COAST THE CENTRE. UNION COMPANY'S INTENTIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN. November 15. The Star says that as the West Coast will become the centre of demand for bunker coal during the strike in Australia an increase in the cost of New Zealand steam coal is inevitable. Meanwhile, freights or passenger fares will not be increased on intercolonial steamers, though a protracted strike would render that course inevitable. In Australian coastal trade already the companies have raised passenger fares by ten per cent., and freight by twentyfive. In the Tasmanian-Australian trade the Union Company will keep the most important passenger service going, though possibly the number of sailings will be reduced. The Karitane, which was engaged in the coal carrying trade between Newcastle and Tasmania will be brought to New Zealand. The Mararoa was to have been placed in the SydneyHobart trade next week, but the decision has been cancelled till the trouble is over. QUOTATIONS CANCELLED. NAPIER, November 15. As a result of the miners' strike in New South Wales, a large consumer to-day received advice that all previous quotations had been cancelled. KIRIPAKA COAL. CABLED ORDERS FROM AUSTRALIA. AUCKLAND, Novembei 15. The manager of the Kiripaka Coal Company states that he has received several cables from Australia for coal supplies at advanced prices. He could have made a contract for 4,000 tons in one line, but declined, as that would involve neglect of local customers. He mentioned that Union Company steamers had been supplied with Kiripaka coal for the last two years on the voyages from Auckland to Australia and the islands.

GABLE NEWS,,

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