THE COAL TRADE

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6546, 20 November 1924, Page 5

THE COAL TRADE

STATE OF THE MARKET NEWCASTLE TROUBLE HAS NOT AFFECTED DOMINION PRICES A /“New Zealand Times” reporter on Friday gleaned the information that the demand for household coal has naturally decreased this month as compared with buying during the winter. Prices are generally stable, and have not altered to any appreciable extent, despite a shortage of supplies from Newcastle. The Australian coal can now be obtained at 50/6, less 1/-, ex ship, and supplies will be further increased on Monday, when a further shipment is expected. A considerable quantity of this, however, is expected to be delivered for use on the railways. The recent labour trouble has decreased the supplies of Newcastle coal somewhat, but has not impaired a brisk market. The cranes at the Australian port, which normally work 24 hours of the day, are now" employe only from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The consequent demand for Dominion coal has not been as evident as would probably have been the case some months ago. PRICES STABLE; SUPPLIES GOOD It is understood that the Commonwealth Government has levied a surcharge, and, if this is followed here, a rise in price will probably follow. On the whole, the market is quiet, with a fairly insistent calling for the Newcastle product. Prices are stable and supplies good. The farmer weather, however, naturally reflects on the purchasing of family supplies. During October coal shipments from Newcastle to places outside th». State showed a decrease of 92,218 tons on the same month last year. New Zealand imported 58,885 tons during the period. During the last nine months New Zealand has imported 390,971 tons from the Australian port, as compared with 536,140 tons during the corresponding period last year.