GOOD STOCKS OF COAL HELD IN CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27367, 4 June 1954, Page 10

GOOD STOCKS OF COAL HELD IN CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch coal merchants are holding adequate stocks of fast and slow coal to meet all present demands. There has been little really cold weather yet, however, and next month they expect to have a busier time, for on past experience July deliveries from the West Coast do not meet the customers’ demand. A difficulty is being experienced in obtaining men to cart coal, partly because it is heavy work and partly, according to Mr Alex. Still, president of the Canterbury Coal Merchants’ Association, because of lack of public co-operation in plaqing coal bins nearer gates. "Some people are quite unreasonable," he said. “They have their coal boxes as far away from the back door as the back door is from the front gate.” Delivery men had to carry bags

weighing 1401 b, and it was an unenviable job when long distances were involved. Merchants had discussed the possibility of cutting down the weight of bags to a hundredweight, but when a quarter of a ton was to be delivered that would mean extra trips for the men, which would be equally unpopular. It seemed that the public would have to realise the position and put their coal boxes as handy to the houses as possible.

With memories of shortages of firing in the past, many residents have laid in stocks of coal during the off-season and are keeping those stocks up; but there are now so many people living in flats with little space for storage that merchants have a steady stream of orders for small quantities. Firewood presents no problem at present, and ail customers’ demands can be met, though not always in the woods they specify.