COAL CRISIS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 223, 19 September 1919, Page 7

COAL CRISIS.

COLLECTING STRIKE FINES. DEDUCTED FROM WAGES. (By Telegraph.— irress Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. The Labour Department lias served attachment orders on the Green Island coal mine owners, requiring them to deduct from the wages the amount of fines imposed by the Court as the result of the recent strike, fines and coats coming- to £2 5/ per man. GAS COMPANY'S PURCHASE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. There doeri not seem to be much prospect of any immediate relaxation in the cost of coal, judging from the position of the Wellington Gas Co. In order Ito secure a continuance of the gas supply the company has just purchased a cargo of three thousand tons at an increased cost of £4500 on the present price of Zealand coal, were the latter obtainable. PREMIER PROMISES STATEMENT. (By Telegraph.— Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Mr. Statham asked tho Prime Minister today what was being done to overcome the shortage of coal arising from the goslow policy of the miners. He remarked 1 that many people wore threatened with unemployment and hardship, and mentioned that the New Zealand paper mills were closing down the Riverhead mill , from lack of coal. Mr. Massey replied that he did not ' think it wise to give the information sought at present. He could only say that everything possible was being done Ito put an end to the present state of j affairs. He added that he hoped to be j able to give the House some news about what was being done within a day or i tWo ' _______^__