The Coal Shortage

NZ Truth, Issue 743, 13 September 1919, Page 2

The Coal Shortage

A LOAD FOR LYTTELTON.

What is the Explanation?

(From "Truth's" Christchurch Rep.)

Though there is not quite the scarcity of coal that prevailed a few weeks' baclc,.it is nevertheless not a very easy matter for some people to , secure , a bag or two. On the other hand others apparently can obtain all they require despite the regulations that the quantity of coal allowed a citizen is limited. Last week "Truth" had brought, under its notice the fact that five residents of Lyttelton had banded together and weTe to receive five and a half tons between them. Being under the impression that no person was entitled to a ton or more coal, "Truth" rang up the manager of the Westport Coal Company and inquired if the information given were true and if so whether a permit had been granted. Mr. Boswell, the manager, declined to say anything and suggested "Truth" should get m touch with the Coal Board. This was very; soon done, and when the matter was mentioned to Mr. Hoare, secretary of the Coal Board, that gentleman at once said that it was a breach of the Regulations, but that he would make inquiries. Evidently he did so, because [ later m the day when "Truth" again rang up, Mr. Hoare said the permit had been granted and it was justified. Asked if any person were entitled to a ton of coal, whilst others could not get even a bag, Mr. Hoare said he did not believe that there were people who could not get coal at Lyttelton, and added that .. some families required more coal than others'. Now this' may be quite all right from the Coal Board's view, but residents of Lyttelton are not likely to be so easily satisfied. If it be possible for the five persons referred to to purchase a truck of coal from the Westport Co., then there is no reason why any other five persons should not be able to do likewise. Anyway, it would be interesting to see what happened if five families clubea" together and offered to buy sy» tons.