THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 51, 1 March 1909, Page 5

THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

EFFECT ON THE COAL TRADE. PROBABLE INCREASED SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS. Amongst the industries that will gain considerably owing to the opening of the Main Trunk railway between Auckland and Wellington, is undoubtedly that of coal mining at Huntly. It is now possible to send coal from Huntly by rail right through to Wellington, and on to New Plymouth and Napier. While this is a great advantage for the coal mining industry as the natural outcome of the increased business, must follow shortage of trucks. This must be evident when it is borne in mind that it takes two days to deliver a truck of coal at jSew Plymouth, and in the same time 2£ trucks could be landed at Auckland. As it is there is a shortage of trucks, and if such is the state of affairs in the middle of the hottest season, it might fairly be assumed that the position will be very acute in winter, when there is a much larger demand for coal for household purposes. We are informed that last week, when orders were forwarded for trucks to convey coal to the South, the answer received was: "With the present shortage of trucks, we cannot get them away as promptly as we would like. Our orders are still ahead of us in consequence of the strike, and this week alone the mines have been stopped a day each for want of wagons." Such is the position in the middle of the hottest period of the year, and it is quite evident that with a steadily increasing trade in coal for the South, increased rolling stock is an absolute necessity. Tt is interesting to note that at the present time Westport coal is retailed in Taranaki a 50/ per ton, and it is said that it will be possible to sell Taupiri coal there for household purposes at 30/ to 35/ per ton. Under such conditions a big trade should grow up during the next few months. The freight charges on coal from Huntly to Wellington, a distance of 301 miles, is 12/6 per ton, and to New Plymouth, a distance of 380 mile::, 12/10 per ton. The haulage charge from Huntly to Auckland. 65 miles, is C/ 6 per ton. If it is possible to sell Taupiri coal in New Plymouth at 30/ to 35/, there seems ample margin for a reduction in the price now ruling in this city. The price has been twice raised within the past two years on inadequate pretexts, and a strong feeling on the subject prevails in the city.