CORRESPONDENCE.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 25, 21 February 1920, Page 9

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Some time ago I wrote a letter which was published in your paper re "Exploitation and Coal Shortage," hoping: that my explanation might improve matters, but unfortunately matters have not improved, but have got more serious.

It is unnecessary to make comments on the situation, as the facts are obvious, and unless prompt and thorough investigation and intervention is taken by the State, through the Government, the municipalities, or other governing bodies, the position may get more serious. I wish it to be distinctly understood I hold no brief from any party, and in making my comments endeavour to get the true facts known with a view of getting at a prompt and effective remedy for the public good.

To make matters explicit, it is necessary to repeat my remarks and opinions as published in my former letter. In my opinion the local owners here are connected with the Australian Coal Vend, and they and their satellites are endeavouring to deceive the public by false or prejudiced statements, thus bringing the miners and the public in conflict and exploiting the public. I have very good grounds for expressing the above opinions.

Having commented on the mineowners, it is only fair that I should make a few comments on the miners, who are at times a somewhat turbulent and difficult class to deal with.

But in reference to the oft-expres-sed opinion that the miners and other labour unions are misled by (so-called) paid orators (another name given to Labour leaders), in some cases it may be true, but it must be considered that at times they have to compete with monopololists, paid prevaricators, far more dangerous (though plausible) to the community. Now, having commented on the two parties in dispute, I now briefly refer or repeat some of the statements published in my former letter, to make myself explicit. The statement as put forth to the public by the mineowners in the last dispute that the miners demanded a twenty per cent, rise (perfectly true), but they omitted to state what the miners got

Now for a true statement put forth in plain English. The miners demanded a 20 per cent, rise, and a compromise took place by its reduction to ten per cent, which amounted to threepence per ton. Then the mine-owners immediately increase the price by five shillings in the ton.

The question arises, "Is this profiteering?" After- the above-mentioned... compromise was made the miners have been going slow, for which the public are being penalised by the coalowners by an additional rise of four shillings and sixpence per ton. The mine-owners, while deeply in-

triguing for profiteering, appeal to the Government and the public against force, and' should the Government agree with their suggestion I am of the opinion that they would be joining issues with the Coal Vend, and assist them to exploit the public

The miners have been going slow (with, I think, a view of forcing a conference with the mine-owners to effect a settlement of the dispute), but I am of the opinion that the Coal Vend is doing far more mischief by blocking supplies and preventing development over private mines not under their control, because they cannot control the output and,.prices, and unduly exploit, the public, as 'the under-mentioned circumstances will show.

A large and payable coal-field exists about twenty-seven miles from Auckland (in Mr. Massey's constituency), at Hunua. Its existence has been known for years, and many attempts have been made to develop it by the owners, but their efforts have been frustrated by obstacles placed in their way by monopolists, the Vend and its satellites.

Options have been obtained ostensibly to develop, but, in reality, to block. Thus the development has been stopped or retarded, but those options are now extinct, have expired through the effluxion of time.

One of the coal-owners at Hunua has leased his mine (and coal is now being obtained therefrom), on Government conditions. Namely, while mining was being carried out with diligence and skill, and when production ceased it was deemed to be abandoned.

Coal has been, and is now being, obtained from that mine (on somewhat primitive methods) for some time, and has been for some time supplied to the surrounding districts .

I was approached by the lessee of that mine to sell on his behalf some of his coal in lowa. I wrote stating that I would try, but I should, I thought x be bumping up against something very big (circumstances have since proved).

I approached some coal dealers with a view of effecting a sale, but they were afraid to handle it, as it might prejudice their future supply (and no 'doubt they were right in their conjectures).

Failing to get any coal sold to coal dealers, I approached the City Council (through a Labour Member Councillor), who gave my quotation and particulars to the then actingMayor), who ordered direct to Hunua all the. coal available in that mine, and the, City Council are still being supplied from there.

On my information Hunua coal was supplied to the City Council, and, realising the shortage of coal to the community, I supplied the Council with further information re other Hunua coal depositte (namely): That I being well acquainted with the ground and the various coalowners there, could supply the Council with further information of other developed mines there from which a large, immediate, and continuous supply could be obtained. (No shaftsinking required.) I also stated in writing to the Council, that I was of the opinion (though not authorised to make it as a statement), that the City Council could acquire mining rights at one shilling per ton royalty on Government conditions, and that if double the present rate of wages was paid to miners, the City Council,if prompt action was taken, could obtain its coal supply at two-thirds less than it is now paying. And that I was willing to go up with any of the City Council representatives. My last letter to the Council conveying the above information was dated on January 19th last, but beyond receiving an acknowledgment of my letter I have heard nothing from them. I suggested investigation on good grounds, realising that after investigation they can use their own discretion. Yours faithfully, ' BLACK DIAMONDS.