CHEAP BUNKER COAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13647, 15 January 1908, Page 5

CHEAP BUNKER COAL.

DISCUSSION AT FREMANTLE.

A discussion on the subject of free wharfage on coal, which was intended to provide cheap bunker fuel for steamers, was entered into by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce at their last meeting. Mr. H. V. Calthrop, who opened the discussion, stated some 60.000 tons of bunker coal were imported annually, but, although free wharfage was given and coal had risen Is a ton in New South Wales, it had gone up to 3s a ton in Fremantle, so that the coal importers were making the extra 2s on the deal. The steamers that called there were paying the "combine" controlling the trade anywhere from 3s to 6s. more a ton on bunker coal than it could be purchased on the wharf for, and the only benefit from the free wharfage was obtained by the shipping "combine." The question was whether something like £6000 a. year should be put into the pockets of the "'combine" or added to the earnings of the Harbour Trust. They had collieries in the State which were struggling. During the strike a tramp steamer was about to take Collie coal, and the "combine" then brought down its price from over £3 to £1 10s a ton, but the steamer, lie was pleased to say, took Collie coal. He- contended that the " combine" should pay the same wharfage as the Government on the railway coal, instead of having free wharfage. That would be a gain to the Trust of 2s per ton on the bunker coal. The statements of Mr. Calthrop were controverted by.Mr. Syme, who denied that the importers gained 2s a ton referred to, and stated that if a wharfage of 2s a ton wa.s charged on bunker coal, the amount would have to be paid by the consumer. They wanted to make Fremantle as cheap a port as possible, but owing to certain arrangements between the Government and the Trust that was not always the case. After additional discussion, it was decided to put the matter forward as a subject for consideration by the general committee, and report to the'next general meeting of the Chamber.

Carry a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera, and Diarrhoea Remedy in your hand-luggage when travelling. It' cannot be procured on board tho train or steamship.