WATER TRANSPORT CHEAPEST

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 90, 13 October 1944, Page 4

WATER TRANSPORT CHEAPEST

P.A. WESTPORT, October 12 Pointing out that Westport is the natural outlet for coal from the great coal area in the Buller and Inangahua districts, Mr. Neil Forsyth,-a prominent figure in mining circles, states that it is ridiculous to suggest that the coal be railed to Nelson. Assuming that a railway connection with Westport were available, the maximum load an engine could draw would be. 250 tons, and it would take eight en•gines to transport the coal which can be shipped in one medium-sized collier at Westport. Rail communications cannot compete with transport by sea, and the Westport coal trade can best be served by the Buller harbour, which could be made to suit all requirements if the harbour endowment revenues were wisely .spent on the development of the port.

GREYMOUTH SHIPPING

P.A. GREYMOUTH, October 12. For five days the condition of the Greymouth bar Jias held up 2700 tons of coal consigned to Wellington by the Kiwitea and Gabriella. Besides coal, the Gabriella has 400,000 feet of timber aboard. Both ships are laden to a restricted drought, but the continuous rough seas have preventel sailings. The Kaimai is loading 1800 tons of coal for Wellington, but is riot expected to be ready t6 sail before Friday night. The Pakura, to load for Miramar, and the Holmlea, for New Plymouth, are sheltering from severe storms along the coast.