STATE COAL DEPOTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2996, 16 August 1911, Page 34

STATE COAL DEPOTS.

BUSINESS TO BE EXTENDED. iTbom Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, August 10. The principal proposal of tho Coal Mines Act Amendment Bill, introduced by Hon. R. M'Kenzie, is that the State shall enter into even keener competition with the vendors of fuel. Encouraged by the results which have followed the establishment of depots for the sale of coal from tho State coal mines, the Minister now proposes that the State may also sell coal obtained from other than State mines, and may also purchase and sell coke and firewood. The bill also proposes to determine the period within which applications for coal leases or licenses are to be finally disposed of at six months from the filing of the applications. In special circumstances and with the consent of the Minister, this period may be extended. The amendment in the Stone Quarries Bill reducing the time in which a charge of explosive that has missed fire must be treated with respect from three hours to one hour is also included in this measure. Another clause proposes that the operation of the miners’ relief fund shall be the function of the Public Trustee, in accordance with regulations to be made from time to time under the principal act. The Minister is associated with the Public Trustee in this matter.