IDLE MINERS.

Grey River Argus, 10 July 1922, Page 8

IDLE MINERS.

WHOSE THE BLAME? WELLINGTON, July 4. “I quite agree that railway freights and fares are too high, and I hope that the time will come when we shad bo able to reduce them,” said the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives. “But that time is not yet.” A Labour member: “Use New Zealand coal.” Air Alassey: “We will use New Zealand coal when we can get sufficient supplies. But when wo cannot lam going outside for it.” Air Parry (Auckland Central): Miners are idle now. Air Alassey: That is the fault of agitators. 1 became tired of the constant reports from the General Manager of Railways that he was short of coal—that he had merely a week’s or a fortnight’s coal in stock—and I took the responsibility of telung him to go outside and get a sufficient quantity of coal. Air Holland: You have not told us the price. Air Alassey: The cost was £4 5s a ton for Welsh coal. Air Holland: But the Japanese coal? Mr Alassey: You can have that also.