HIGH PRICE FOR COAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 August 1920, Page 7

HIGH PRICE FOR COAL

AN IMPORTER SHIPMENT. RISE OE 24/- TO 28/- PER TON. About 2000 tons of Newcastle coal, brought to Lyttelton in the Japanese vessel Tensho Marti, is being allotted to' 1 the general trade by the Government Coal Trade Committee, (says the “Sun”) but in respect of this the public will be called upon to pay prices which will represent an advance of about 28/- per ton. , The reason for this increase is owing to the higli rates which it has been necessary to pay for freight. Yet, it is a striking illustration of tlie general shortage that there is a keen demand for this dear coal. In all, the vessel has brought 4660 tons, 1500 tons of which

has been secured by the Christchurch Gas Company, Ltd., and about 50 tons by other sources. According to retailers, the price will be about £5 2s per ton, representing in many cases an advance of 24/- to 28/- per ton. Unfortunately, just at present there is practically no other coal available for the general trade. A circular which has been sent out by a Christchurch firm, notifying an increase of 24/- per ton in the rales for coal, has caused somewhat of a scare. It would appear 'that this notice was somewhat unfortunately worded, as it appeared to have a general application. However, an assurance is given bv the firm concerned that it was intended to apply to coal from the Tensho Maru only.