CEMENT SHORTAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5582, 10 September 1920, Page 2

CEMENT SHORTAGE.

EFFECT OF COAL SHOELACE. PORTLAND COMPANY'S DIFFICULTY. The effect of the coal shortage upon supplies of cement is given in the following circular which has been received by the local agents of the Portland Cement Company:— "No doubt all our clients will have read in the newspapers of the embargo on Newcastle coal. and. further, of the ‘go-slow’ policy of the miners in New Zealand. Tn addition to these troubles, the coal company which lias been supplying us for some time has met with serious trouble in its own workings during the past fortnight. The combined result of these circumstances had the effect of closing down our works last Saturday morning, as we have not one ton of coal in stock.' It was thought that we would receive, sufficient coal to re-start the mill this evening, but supplies have not come to hand. Our stocks of cement are now exhausted, and we are unable to state definitely just when the mill can restart, but provided we receive coal and are able to make a start by the end of the week, if is not likely that we would have any cement available for distribution until the end of the following week. As soon as supplies are available, same will be distributed, and, as far as possible, we will endeavor first to meet the requirements of the most essential and most urgent jobs.”