COAL SHORTAGE.

Evening Star, Issue 25225, 12 July 1944, Page 8

COAL SHORTAGE.

TO TUB EDITOH. Sir,—l must thank "Fair Play For All " for the very illuminating facts contained in to-night's 'Star.' In your footnote the statement given by several agents that they have oniy enough supplies to fulfil the orders of their customers has been repeatedly refuted by my coal merchant. The shortago of man power is probably a contributing factor, as there are only two •merchants to supply Port Chalmers and surrounding districts with coal. My former coal merchant, a married man with two children, is now overseas with the forces, and the extra work has ■been thrown on to the other two. I get only 'one small bag of coal, and this .has to last mo about a fortnight. Am. I .expected to cook hot meals and provide the necessary warmth for my husband, self, and two little children on this small amount? We have been out of coal many times during last summer and this winter, including the recent heavy snow. I have to rely entirely on the coal range for all my cooking and heating, and have to conserve my meagre supply for cooking only. Finally, I have always pa'd cash for deliveries, and am only one of many unfortunates in Port Chalmers and surrounding districts. —I am, etc., Roseneath. - July ia. ..