SHORTAGE OF COAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11796, 27 July 1900, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF COAL.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —I have read Mr .James Mills's letter, in your to-day's issue, and think he makes out that his company only charge a very reasonable rate of freight from West-port to Wellington: 5s 3d per ton; to Lyttelcon, 6s 3d. Pity he did not give us the rate to Dunediu as veil. It is understood ils has been the cost of a cargo of coal f.o.b. at Wesfcporfc, and, assuming the freight to Port Chalmers or Dunedin to be 9s per ton, this means 20s per ton alongside the wharf. I hr.ye to pay 36s per ton for Wcstport coal. Now. the difference is too great between 20b and 365, even granting the absurd wharfage dues at 3s per ton to the Harbour Board, whose charges are driving away trade from this port us fast as it'can. It is a. recognised fact that " cheap fuel" means the conservation and extension, of all manufacturing trades, and is the means of fostering the same. Mr .Mills's retort as to railway charges gives a " Roland " for an " Oliver," with interest added, and, on the whole, the Government come- out lamely. I have read the Minister for Defence's manifesto. Some years ago it was suggested that 10.000 tons of'best coal be held in reserve at our principal ports. This is now a most urgent necessity. What's the good of warships if you cannot coal them. Pearson and his Eoyal Arthur hoaxed us.— I am, etc., Ltnx.