COAL SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 179, 18 April 1918, Page 4

COAL SHORTAGE

AN ALL-DAY QUCUE. If there were any doubt as to the activity of Hie cum shortage a glance at the queuo waiting outside- the .State Coat .Department's onice in Lower Cuba. Street, any lime yesterday would have, dispelled such doubt. Owing to the strike at the State Collieries, and perhaps partly Io the more urgent call for coal tor other purposes, the coal stocks in'the city became exhausted, or very nearly so, a fortnight ago, 6ince when it has been impossible tc obtain normal supplies for householders. An announcement that orders would bo received against a shipment to airive in a day or two had the effect of inducing hundreds of people to call at the office yesterday. The rush at 9 a.m. and until a late hour yesterday afternoon was so great that a queue had to be formed in order that the orders could be noted on the principle of lirst come, first served. At times the queue stietched out across the pavement and down Cuba Street, many having to wait as long as half-nii-hour before being able to give their orders. The quantity of coal that is being delivered to customers b strictly limited. Residents within easy city limits are only being given 2cwt. for a start, whilst suburban residents raav be supplied with 3ewt.