THE COAL QUESTION.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13892, 24 December 1913, Page 7

THE COAL QUESTION.

DEFENCE COMMITTEE'S SUPPLIES

150,000 TONS ON ORDER

[United Press Association.]

Wellington, Dec. 23

Mr. W. G. Foster, chairman of the Employers', Farmers', and Citizens' Defence Committee, was asked to-day if he was prepared to say anything on the question of coal supplies. In giving his personal opinion, Mr. Foster said he did not think the committee should make public the price that had been paid for the coal coming from various places overseas. The dealers in Wellington had not at first readily taken the matter up, although they were now in some cases seeking coal. In Auckland the dealers had secured coal. There was a possibility that those who had paid" long prices, for imported coal might be undersold by dealers when the New Zealand mines reopened. .

"So far as supplies are concerned," Mr. Foster continued, "we do not need to worry for some considerable time, to come. Arrangements have now been made for 100,000 tons, and any amount ; more is available if required. I think I am right in estimating the amount of coal being delivered, on the' way, and ordered, as totalling 150,000 tons, every bit of which will provide for all the industrial and possible public utility requirements up to the middle of March; so that if the miners show no inclination to return to work during the next month there will be ample time for us to repeat the orders, and purchase further quantities, and to have them delivered here in good time. At the end of January wo .should still have six weeks to order, and have delivery made. Cargoes have been offering freely for another 150,000 tons, hut the committee thought it desirable to await the developments at the NewZealand mines before placing any further orders for coal."