THE COAL SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16688, 10 March 1920, Page 2

THE COAL SHORTAGE.

SPECIAL TO HERALD. Sir, —i have read with interest Mr. Arthur’s letter in your paper in reply to ray letter to your leading article. Your footnote to the letter summarised the position fully. My return home has delayed reply. Mr. Arthur’s letter is written mainly to inform the public that the Gas Company has been the victim of circumstances. Such is nob the case. Nearly 12 months ago I asked Mr. Arthur to meet another member of the committee and myself regarding the position of the gasworks, ancl he was then warned by mo that ho was running a very grave risk and that he was—in expecting to keep the works running on the coal.from one m i ne —leaning on a rotten reed. Evidently he took no notice of the warning kindly given. Owing to an influenza outbreak at the Westport mines it is necessary for all those using coal as a fuel to conserve stocks as one does not know when the output will increase. Will Taranaki industries kindly note for their own protection, and those who can use wood as an auxiliary fuel should do so. Fortunately the Taupiri, Pukemiro, and Waipa mines arc getting back to normal, but householders wou'cl .do well to lay in a stock of firewood for winter use, as unless things change for the better this class of coal will he required for industry. By burning wood householders will be showing a continuation of that fine patriotic spirit they showed during the war period and enable the wheels of industry to be kept running raid keeping our men and womenfolk in constant employment. Unemployment with all its misery should be avoided.—l am, etC ” A. S. COLLINS, Deputy Chairman N.Z. Coal Commission.