COAL QUESTION.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16583, 24 July 1919, Page 7

COAL QUESTION.

THE MUNICIPAL SUPPLY. The Mayor of Christchurch stated yesterday that the coal by the Kamona ■will reach the siding at Addington today. Practically the whole of the first consignment lias been deliveivd. A number of new tvro-tou clectric waggons are to be used in delivering the second consignment. News received from tho West Coast is to the effect that arrangements are in hand which it is hoped will increase the output by 200 tons per week. WOOLSTON DESIRES A SHAItE. Mr J. L. Gant brought up tha question of the coal shortage last night at the meeting of the \\ oolston Borough Council, by asking if it would be possible to obtain a supply of coal for Wooiston from the Lacy Council. Mr J. C. Uobson: 'ihere would be no harm in making application, but from statomen-ts maue by Dr. Xhacker it seems that the city coal supply is entirely for Cliristchurch. Mr Gant said t.'iat several people in Wooiston could not obtain any coal, and some of them had come to him and asked Him if anything c-ould be clone to get assistance from the City Council, mere wvre a number of poor people in Wooiston who could net procure coal. The Mayor said that a personal interview might be more effective than a letter. It was resolved that the Mayor should interview Dr. Tiiacker, Mayor of Christchurch, to see if a supply of coal could be obtained from Christchurch city for Wooiston. Cr. Blazey: If we cannot get it from Dr. Thacker could we go further afield ? The Ma>or: \ es, we could make further enquiries. On the question of the Mayor, "Is thoro any more business, gentlemen?" Cr. Owen said "Yes; I havo something about coal, too." He explained tuat he had prepared a motion, which lie submitted as follows:— "That this Council declares that the only solution of the coal problem is public ownership and control of the mining, transportation, and distribution of coal, with adequate representation of workers on the Board or Boards of Control, and therefore condemns the proposals for semi-private control of tho mining industry, with State guarantee of dividends to private shareholders, embodied in tho Board of Trade report." Cr. Blazey seconded the motion. The Council was reluctant to discuss the motion without giving it consideration, and it was agreed to defer discussion till a meeting of the Council, to be held next Monday night.