HIGHER PRICES FOR FIREWOOD

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 29 April 1941, Page 5

HIGHER PRICES FOR FIREWOOD

* INCREASE IN SUPPLY TO MERCHANTS A possible increase in the price of firewood to the public is forecast in the decision of two of the supplying public bodies—the Selwyn Plantations Board and the Christchurch City Council—to increase the price to merchants by 5s a cord. The decision of the, council was made last week, and yesterday, at its ordinary monthly meeting, the Selwyn Plantations Board came to a similar decision. It was explained at the meeting of the plantations board that the rise in the price to merchants had become necessary through the increased prices for cutting and cartage. The rises agreed on by the board will be 5s for four-inch pine lengths and the same for gum and wattle. Stakes supplied by the board will remain at the same price. The Christchurch City Council’s decision involved an increase of 5s a cord for four-foot lengths at Bottle Lake, for eight-inch blocks at Bottle Lake and for eight-inch blocks delivered to any part of the city. Under those categories the former price charged by the City Council was £1 5s a cord, £1 10s, and £2. At the meeting of the Selwyn Plantations Board yesterday, Mr J. E. Jones protested against the report dealing with the proposed increases being taken in committee. The price of firewood, he said, was a matter of great public interest. The Christchurch City Council had had to consider a similar proposal to increase the price, and had not gone into, committee. The prices had been increased, but the decision had not been kept from the public. “You know that there is a general shortage of firewood and that the council has had to put its charges up: we will have to do the same, but the public should know,” Mr Jones said. The deputy-chairman, Mr A. E. Langdale-Hunt, suggested that the board was only considering a report from its finance committee, suggesting price increases, and that the suggestions might not be adopted. Mr Jones; Of course they will be adopted. We all know they will, but we should not go into committee. The secretary, Mr C. W. Hervey: It is always possible for the board to come to a decision in committee and report its decision in open board. We must advertise any change and the public will know. Mr Jones insisted that the board should not go into committee, and asked that his vote be recorded against going into committee. When the board resumed advice of the increased charges was made available to the newspaper reporters.