SUPPLY OF COAL

Southland Times, Issue 21193, 20 September 1930, Page 8

SUPPLY OF COAL

N.Z. RAILWAYS

TREATMENT OF WAIKATO COMPANIES

WARM EXCHANGES IN HOUSE

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, September 19.

Complaints regarding the way in which the Railway Department treated Waikato coal companies in calling for tenders for the supply of coal in that district which have been made in the House of Representatives by Mr J. S. Fletcher (1., Grey Lynn),, led to considerable discussion and some warm exchanges between the member for Grey Lynn and the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. A. Veitch) this morning.

When the House went into Committee of Supply on the railway estimates the Minis-, ter rose and said that he wanted to refute the allegations that certain transactions were not on’the level. Mr Veitch said: “I don’t know if he realizes all that that implies, but I hope he does.”

The honourable member had said that telegrams had been sent calling for tenders, Mr Veitch continued, and that no letters had passed. He produced a letter from the Renown Coal Company stating that it was not possible to tender for the whole amount required and making two alternate tenders, one to supply 750 tons per week all the year round at 19/- per ton and alternately, to supply the same amount during a shorter period for 20/6 per ton. The first offer was impossible because the Railway Department could not use coal all the year round. That proved that letters were exchanged.

“Sleuth From Grey Lynn.”

The Minister said that he was not going to go through the file, but if the ‘‘sleuth from Grey Lynn” cared to do so he would be glad to give him the opportunity. ■ “Now that-1 have proved that his statements are wrong,” the Minister added, “I hope that he will stand up like a little gentleman and admit his error.” “I am not satisfied,” said Mr Fletcher, “and I will read the telegram I quoted again.”

He then read a telegram from the controller of the railways stores asking for 150 tons per week for three years and said that there was nothing about seasonal supplies. The Minister had said that letters had passed between the Department and the Renown Coal Company, but he had not mentioned other companies. He (Mr Fletcher) had received a telegram from the manager,of the I’ukemiro Coal Company, saying that there had been no previous letter. “If the Minister cannot produce that letter,” he said, “he had better get up and apologise to the member for Grey Lynn. Mr R. Semple IL., Wellington East) : He will reply to you by calling you a sleuth. Mr Fletcher: Yes. Mr F. Langstone (L., Waimarino) : But you’re not a sleuth. (Laughter).

The Minister rose with a bulky file in his hand and said: “The honourable member has asked me to .produce correspondence. Look at it.”

He then read a letter dated July 21, addressed to the Pukemiro Coal Company asking for a lower quote then the one given and a letter from the company quoting 22/6 per ton less five per cent. The Department had then received a tender from the Taupiri Coal Company quoting 19/6 per ton. He said that the Department had then asked other companies to give lower quotations. The Pukemiro Company had never objected to the shortness of time given to make quotations. It was true that the Pukemiro Company had sent in a tentative

tender for the supply of 750 tons per week at 19/-, but that was for all the year round and could not be accepted. Apart from that, it did not cover the quantity required. Even if what the member for Grey Lynn said was true, he said that there was no reason why he 'should see unworthy motives in it. "I suggest that he should try to think as kindly of his fellow-men as he does of himself,” said Mr Veitch.

Mr Fletcher Not Satisfied. “I am not satisfied with the explanation the Minister has given,” Mr Fletcher said. “The method of supply has been thrown overboard and new conditions imposed. As far as the little gentleman from Grey Lynn is concerned, he measures from here up (touching his chin) and can compare favourably with the Minister at any time in that respect. (Laughter). “I would like to ask,” he continued, “if the Minister . 'is getting coal from Taupiri or Glen Afton?”

Mr P. Fraser (L., Wellington Central): What does that matter? Mr Fletcher: It does matter. I’m not satisfied and I’m going to move an amendment that the vote be reduced by £9 so that the whole thing can be referred to the Railways Committee.

The Minister again read from the correspondence before him and then said, “The honourable gentleman has reminded me that he measured from the chin upwards and, taking everything into consideration, perhaps it is just as well.” Mr Fraser: The member for Grey Lynn has asked that the whole matter go before the Railway Committee. Surely, that is a reasonable request ? Mr Veitch: I am quite agreeable to that. Mr Fraser: That being so, surely the honourable member will withdraw. The Chairman of Committees put the amendment to the House and Mr Fletcher said, "The ayes have it.” Mr Fraser: That’s ridiculous!

Mr A. M. Samuel (R.-, Ohinemuri) rose to a point of order and said that the member for Grey Lynn had moved for a specitic purpose and he had received the promise of the Minister that his desire would, be complied with. Consequently, he must let the amendment go on the voices. The chairman raid that the amendment was before the House and could not be withdrawn. He would put it again. Mr Fletcher again raised his voice, but the chairman put the original question without asking if a division was to be called for and the debate continued.