COAL DEADLOCK

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10073, 11 September 1918, Page 4

COAL DEADLOCK

BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY THE ORDER OF REFERENCE. Tho Minister for Mines (the Hon. W. D. S. BlacDonald) announced yesterday that the following is the order of reference to the Board of Trad© for the inquiry into the coal-mining industry :• — ..

1. The present cost of the production and, distribution of coal in New Zealand.

2. Any increases in the cost of such production or distribution since the commencement of the present war, and the causes of such increases. 3. Whether the profits made in the production and distribution of coal are fair and reasonable.

4. Whether the selling prices of coal are fair and reasonable.

5. Whether increased economy or efficiency can be obtained in the production and distribution of coal, and if so, in what respects and in what manner?

■6. "AH other " matters •• affecting the supply or price of coal. 7. The increases since the commencement of the present war in the cost of living so far' as such increases affect men engaged in the production of coal, distinguishing between increases, if any, prior to and subsequent to the industrial agreements made in the coal industry in. the year 1917. 8. The increases since the commencement of the present war in the earnings of men engaged in the production of coal, distinguishing between increases, if any, prior to and subsequent to the said industrial agreements. Mr MacDonald stated that the assistance of such a distinguished economist as Dr Hight would be a great advantage to the board in the investigation of the cost of living in regard to the raining industry. - THE COAL CONFERENCE.

The representatives of the coal-mine owners and of the coal-miners opened their conference at Wellington yesterday morning, the Acting-Pirme Minister. Sir James Allen, and the Minister for Mines being present..