SOUTHLAND COMPANIES PROTEST

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12181, 4 July 1925, Page 5

SOUTHLAND COMPANIES PROTEST

“COMPLETE ELIMINATION" Yesterday afternoon a deputation representing tho Southland coal companies waited on the Railway Board, protesting against the proposed increase in the railway charges for the carriage of coal in the South Island, and requesting that the Southland coal companies be placed on tho same basis as regards competitive markets as previously. Mr A. W. Rodger, in submitting the requests of the Southland coal companies, stated that at present there were nine coal mines operating in the Southland province, representing a share capital of £IBO,OOO. These collieries employed 406 men, paying £102,000 annually in wages. The industry was increasing considerably, despite tho unfavourable geographical position of th« mines, and the considerable strain imposed upon the companies even by the present rail say rate of carriage. With the bringing into effect of the pro

posed increase in the railway charges, the Southland companies would b« faced with complete elimination, 71 38 per cent, of last year’s coal output had been railed beyond the Southland districts, indicating the universal market for Southland coal, north of the province. By the proposed increase in carriage rates, the Southland coal would be ruinously prejudiced in open market competition, with* the result that, ultimately, the coal-minea of the province would he forced to close down. Consideration of the request will he given by tho Railway Board, and a small representative committee of the Southland companies will meet the board consenting the matter on Tuesday, July 7th, at 2.30 p.m. A deputation from the Kaitangatn companies, consisting of Messrs Roberta and Penman, also waited on the Railway Board concerning the same matter yesterday afternoon.