WINTER FUEL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8305, 8 June 1907, Page 7

WINTER FUEL.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,— May I be permitted through the columns of your widely-circulat-ing journal to call the attention of your readers to the extraordinary prices now being charged in this town for coal and firewood? Even up to last month we were certainly paying far too much for these necessaries, but now it appears that we must pay still more heavily. A schedule of prices has been printed and signed by practically the whole of the local dealers, showing the cheapest wood at 25s per cord —tawa, which has no real heating value —while matai roots cost 30s per cord, and matai in 4ft lengths 335. These rates are subject to a small discount for cash. There is no occasion to quote those for rata or for shorter lengths; they are, of course, much dearer. The "best" coal, which, however, varies considerably in quality, is sold at the startling price of 5s per sack cash, with a small reduction for larger quantities. The poorer people are unable to avail themselves of the discount obtainable by getting a large stock at once, and are therefore compelled to pay even higher prices than their more fortunate townsmen. Next to foodstuffs, fuel is surely the most important commodity in the market, and it is especially hard that the firewood dealers should raise their prices at a time when bread is dearer than it has been for years. It appears to me to be not only reasonable but imperative that we should make some effort to avoid these prices in the future by establishing a municipal coal and firewood depot, where we could purchase our firing at a cost clear of the middleman's profit. The cost of living is already excessive and most keenly felt by the outdoor labourer, who loses many days in the year owing to bad weather alone, and of all people is the greatest sufferer from this additional tax. In this country fuel should never be allow- i ed to reach a price that is now al- , most prohibitive to the labourer and a heavy tax on the pockets of all those who $re not what is commonly called "comfortably off." I shall be glad if some abler pen than mine will continue the subject and show us the best way to lessen this tax. j It will not lessen itself. If my suggestion of a municipal wood and coal yard is an impracticable idea, I shall be pleased to hear why. Apologising ] for thus trespassing on your space, I I am, etc., j HOUSEHOLDER.