COAL v. WOOD SUPPLIES

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 21, 24 July 1918, Page 3

COAL v. WOOD SUPPLIES

PEICE AND QUALITY CRITICISED AT LOWER HUTT.

Councillor W. Kerr at this week's meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council introduced the question of alleged exploitation bf the public in regard to the quality and price charged for coal and ■n-ood. Se did not know where tho blame- lay, whether with the mine owners, the wholesale merchants, or the retailers. The stuff at present being supplied was not'coal, or even slack, but just coal dust. It-was quits impossible to burn it unless- wood was used, and the price of wood was exorbitant. If a, bag of.wood was purchased it was found t/> contain about fourteen small pieces, and the price charged averaged about 2£d per piece. The contents of a coal sack were supposed to be half coal and half slack, but he would guarantee from personal observations that there was not one-fifth part of coal in the sack. Milk vendors were heavily fined for adulterating milk, and why should not coal vendors be liable to prosecution for selling adulterated coal? Customers ordered coal, got slack, and paid coal prices. He moved that the Board of Trade be communicated with and asked to make a fixed price for coal, and slack to consumers. The motion was seconded by Councillor Meldnim. The Mayor outlined the regulations which governed the supply of coal to the public. Councillor Brasell asked why some persons could get two trucks bf -coal, and others were limited, to a hundredweight. The Mayor said essential industries were guaranteed their coal supply. He considered that the supplying of schools was essential. Councillor West said the question raised by Councillor Kerr was why the public was asked to pay coal price 3 for slack or worse. Councillor M'Dougall thought an enquiry into the price to the consumer of coal, wood, and slack was necessary. He was afraid favouritism was being shown. He knew of a case in Wellington where a lady had great difficulty in getting a couple of hundred-weight of coaj, whilo an influential resident was at once supplied -with a ton. Councillor "Clendon outlined ths practice of coal retailers in carrying out the regulations, and said it was a shame that coal, which was absolutely essential in every home, should be so curtailed in supply. On his recommendation, a clause dealing with the importance of more supplies being liberated for household' use was added to the motion. Councillor M'Dougall said according to a statement made by the miners they had received only 4id per tori advance, while 3s had been'placed on the price of coal by the mine owners. The motion, with the suggested addition, was carried unanimously.