A WATERFRONT SURPRISE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10540, 17 March 1920, Page 4

A WATERFRONT SURPRISE

BUSH ORDER TO CITY COUNCIL. DIVERTED COAL. Some surprise was caused on the waterfront yesterday when it becam* known that certain supplies of coal intended for the smaller coastal vessels had been diverted by the Coal Trade Committee to the City Council. An explanation of this action was sought from one of the officials of the committee last evening. This gentleman explained that early in-the afternoon it was brought to their notice that the corporation power station was in pressing need of coal, owing to a misunderstanding in regard to forthcoming supplies. In order to meet such, a sudden demand and enable the power station to continue running, the committee was obliged to call upon the reserve supplies of 100 tons on the Westport Company's coal hulks, ordinarily intended for the supply of the mosquito fleet. An arrangement was made accordingly with the AVe6tport Company that the restoration of the diverted' coal should te made a special v consideration by the committee, and it is expected that the hulks will- receive further |upplies this' morning, when newly-arnved steamers will go alongside and restore the Westport Company's reserve.