PRICE OF COAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12064, 20 July 1917, Page 4

PRICE OF COAL.

STILL GOING UP.

BOAUD OF TRADE TO INQUIRE,

[From Our Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, July 19

The Minister of Mines was asked by Mr Wilford why the price of coal wa3 still going up.. The Hon W. D. S. Mac Donald replied that several'causes were contributing to the advance, including the 20 per cent increase to the miners, an increase of 2s Gd per ton in freight and increase of wharf labourers' wages, besides other factors. The Minister explained that a few weeks ago lie wrote to the Board of Trade, asking for an inquiry into the whole matter, in order to see if excessive prices were, being charged. He thought the matter would be dealt with shortlv.'

Mr Payne asked if it was not a fact that the- increase to the miners only meant about tid per ton. Mr .Mac Donald: Yes. but that is only one portion of the increase. It costs us something like 13s 4d a ton for Liverpool coal f.o.b. at Greymouth ? and our selling price leaves a margin of only* about 2d a ton. 1 understand that, coal is going up another 2s this week, and I am firmly of opinion that nn inquiry into the whole question is necessary to find out who is really mak' ing money.