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Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1920, Page 2

It is to be hoped that “the contemporary .regarding the coal situation will result in something tangible being arrived at. The conference is to sit to-day, presided over by the Prime Minister. The parties are extreme in their attitude, and they will hardly meet in that conciliatory spirit which suggests hopefulness regarding the outcome. However, the position is so stringent that probably good sense will prevail and a way out of the impasse* previously reached will be found. Tlie coal situation in this country is very serious. With a shortage now in midsummer what is to be the outlook for the winter if the disagreement is not. settled and production increased ? To keep the railways and industries going, thousands of tons of coal are being imported at a very high cost. ITliis is sending money out of the country. In the case of money to America it is very dear money because of the high rate of exchange. Besides the loss of this wealth, the people have to hear the burden of the extra cost. Then there is the shortage for industrial purposes and lighting companies To got supplies extra cost is incurred, and the consumer has again to pay. bight and heat are necessary in the homes, and without increased production in New Zealand it will bo a gloomy outloojk for the centres, where fuel is already dear and lighting will ho a luxury, unless a change is brought about quickly. The steamers employed in bringing the coal from overseas could bo bettor employed from an economic

point of view in carrying other cargo, but the coal being so essential, there is no other alternative than to absorb

all available .shipping in carrying ooal really “to Newcastle.” There is plenI ty of coal in the country if it were I hewn. It is for the present conference to reach some understanding whereby the present unsatisfactory situation will l>e met and more hopeful outlook provided for the future.