KAITANGATA COAL.

Evening Star, Issue 11889, 18 May 1903, Page 5

KAITANGATA COAL.

TO TBS BIUTOR. Sr,—ln yonr issue of the 14th test, there was a letter signed by “Duffer” re Kaitangata coal as supplied at present by the Kaitangata Coal Company, For some considerable time past 1 have been receiving Inferior coal from my coal merchant when I order the real and original Kaitangata soal, and when I complained about it I was told that the merchants cannot help themselves. Some time ago my merchant sent me a circular which was issued by the company te which they say that “ during the last four months' the proprietors of Kaitangata coal have opened out three entirely new seams, and the new coal is now obtainable from all coal merchants.” If the old mine is worked out, why do not the company say so, instead of leading the public to believe they can receive the true Kaitangata coal?—I am, etc., Honsuwira. May 15.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l was pleased to see “Duffer's” letter in last night’s 'Star.' There is not half enough real Kaitangata coal coming into Dunedin at any time, and during the winter months, when more coal is required, things get worse. I would ask you, sir) Have you been down at the coal siding and seen toe amount ol hustling and bustling that gees on amongst the coal dealers when two or three trucks come in? They know that if they do nob push for it they will not be able to supply half of their customers, and will have to stand idling about for hours; and if by chance they nappen to be out after one o’clock on Saturday the inspector will bo down on them for working on the half-holiday, and bring them up before the magistrate. Can you inform me, sir, why there is such a shortage?—l um, Duffer's Mate. May 15. [Mr Lee, the managing director of the company, informs us that he declines to notice letters such as those of “ Duffer,” “Housewife," and “Duffer’s Mate.” Until lately the company have been hampered in opening out new coal, but we understand that the now scams are now opened cp sufficiently to mare than meet the demands, the entire drawback being the scarcity of miners.—Ed. E.S.]