THE PRINCIPAL COMPLAINT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 226, 24 September 1907, Page 5

THE PRINCIPAL COMPLAINT.

DIFFICULTY OF SECURING

CARGOES

NO RESTRICTION OF TRADE

[press association.] (Received Sept. 24, 10.10 a.m.)

SYDNEY, Sept, 24

The Sydney Morning Herald's Newcastle correspondent, who is investigating ooal matters, says that- on the surface of things it would appear that the principal complaint* against the Vend is merely a general protest against the scarcity of coal supplies, and the difficulty of securing cargoes. The ramifications of the Vend are farreaching ; the inter-State coal trade is virtually in the hands of the Vend and the shipping combine. Before coal is sold for shipment to foreign ports the buyer has to disclose its destination. It has yet to be proved that there is any restriction of trade. Although it has been established that trade must pass through the channels of the Vgnd, it cannot be said that the Vend has misused its power in the direction of putting up the price of coal. , '

The Miners' Federation favour the Vend; in-it lies the hope of higher wages.