BLACK NUGGETS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1718, 8 January 1920, Page 5

BLACK NUGGETS.

THE FUTILE DEMAND FOR COAL,

Tho prospect of an acute coal shortage thrusts itself menacingly before tho community. The "go slow" policy of the miners is fraught with more serious and widespread results than in any other industry. At present the position that has arisen is a serious ono. What will occur shortly if an arrangement to increase production is not arrived at with the minora is not a matter for speculation. The imminent result of the "go slow" policy on the community is obtruding itself in Palmerston North already. Coal yards have had iheir stocks entirely depleted. The proprieior of a leading hotel in Pal rnerston North, which consumes roughly a ton a week, has begun to feel the "pinch." With the stock in tho bins becoming low be rang up a number of coal suppliers, only to be met with the reply that none was available—not even slack. Eventually ho got into communication with the Gas Company and was able to obtain one bug fullabout 24 hours supply. At this rate it would appear that the vernacular expression in referring to coal as "black nuggets" will shortly emerge from the familiarity of a joke to the dignity of a truth.