COAL SHORTAGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9650, 5 July 1919, Page 5

COAL SHORTAGE.

DELAYS OF SUPPLIES.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 5. "' An extract' taken from the Ashburton' " Guardian," published in yesterday's City papers, stated that all- the available trucks on the West Coast were full of coal waiting vessels to take it away. Mr S. K. Sleigh, Christchurch manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, states that this is not oorrect. Several of the company's steamers, he said last night, were waiting on the West Coast for coal. The Kaitangata had been at : Greymouth since Wednesday. As her cargo of coal was not available, she would' not he able to leave until 2 p.m. to-day.. The Konini, which arrived at Greymouth at noon on, Thursday, also was delayed because there _ was not sufficient, coal. The Kaiapoi arrived yesterday^ but could not leave until this evening. The Kamona arrived yesterday, and. although ' the loading was fixed for this week, she could not' leave until Monday. Another vessel now loading at Greymouth could not get Sufficient coal, and instead of leaving to-day, as she should have done, she would hot leave until Tuesday. ,-,•-. "There are times when delays taker :place in loading.'' 'Mr- Sleigh said. "They" are ;'inevitable on account of natural difficulties, such as a fresh in the river, or a heavy sea; coal may be waiting on the wharf for a week because a vessel cannot get over the bar; a vessel loaded with coal may be kept at the wharf for the same reasons. In the present case there are no difficulties of that character. The delays'are caused by 'the fact that tho coal is not ready for the vessels when-they arrive..] Tlie criticism;; of,, the company, is. not J fair.. f It t should' be remembered that wo"iia^ difficulties. Some are on j the West: •Coast,"' as' I have " shown';--others are in Lyttelton, where, -the; short hbur^workeclvby,. tfec men —up to-. 6 p.m. on; ordinary.-; days., and .ndon'hn.V ■Satardays-^a're" making '' things' ■ very i hard,"-;-;- . .*