COAL SUPPLIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12784, 30 October 1919, Page 8

COAL SUPPLIES.

SHORTAGE FAIRY ACUTE. TWO RECENT RISES. “ The supplies coming to hand are Very limited,” said Mr Denys-Hoarc, secretary of. the Coal Trade Committee, in response to inquiries made by d. representative of the “Star” this morning. Mr Hoare added that the Canopus -had brought a full cargo from' the "West Coast, having been .diverted from Wellington., This had been widely dis* tribiited among essential industry~concerha! and tradespeople. A livtk- State coal, had disappeared in a similar manner. No Newcastle coal had arrived since ' the .Koromiko was discharged. . Her cargo had been practically absorbed by the railways and gasworks. The next .shipment of Newcastle coal was ■ due in about a week’s time. “Considering the time of the year, the shortage is'a rather severe one,” « added Mr Hoare. “It is, of course* being chiefly felt by those, using business plants.” I I About seven shillings has been added'! to, the retail price per ton of , coal: during the last three months. In July ■ an extra charge of Is 9d was put on to j freights, and this was passed on, and iJater there came a temporary increase l of five shillings, on account of the goslow. tactics.