HOUSEHOLD COAL

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 117, 12 February 1944, Page 8

HOUSEHOLD COAL

Dealers'Much Concerned At Shortage REQUEST TO GOVERNMENT The shortage of coal for household,use is worse today than it was last midwinter. This was stated at a meeting ot the Wellington Coal- Merchants and Dealers’ Association, whose members expresed concern at the position. It was. pointed out by some members that orders dating as fay back as November 16 were still aviiiting delivery, and it was unanimously'resolved thiu representations be made To the Government asking that coal be diverted to the , retailers in order that they may supply back orders and endeavour to build up .some supplies to meet the needs of the community for the coming winter; further, that it be pointed out to the Government that orders were in hand as far back as early in November, and unless something was done to overcome the present shortage of supplies, the position was that the retailers would be unable to continue in business. It was also stated that if the retailers went out of business the community as • a whole must’ suffer-because of the lack of that service -to the public .which was so necessary in the general interest. The association is hopeful, in view ot the-restricted use of coal on the railways as a result, of the rail travel restrictions, that the Government will be -able to divert some coal‘for domestic needs nnd uses of the people in their'homes. Finn Forced Out of Business.

At a meeting of the Wellington Coal Merchants and Dealers’ Industrial Union of Employers, held on Wednesday, the resignation of Mr. L. J. Picot as president of the organization was received. It was explained that Mr. Picot had been carrying on business as a coal retailer at Karori for many years past, before which his father, who was one of the pioneers in the wood and coal business in Wellington, conducted his business at Thorndon Quay. For some time past supplies of coal and wood had been difficult to obtain, with the result that the firm of L. J. Picot and Co., had been compelled to close down its business. The members of the association expressed sincere regret at the loss of Mr. Picot, who for three terms held'the position of president of the association, Mr. Picot’s resignation was accepted with deep regret, and it was also unanimously resolved that because of his long and valued service with the association, he be elected a life member.