MAY BE RELAXED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16470, 5 July 1921, Page 7

MAY BE RELAXED.

COAL TRADE RESTRICTIONS BETTER SUPPLIES OF HARD COAL. RISE IN THE PRICE. It is understood that there is an immediate likelihood of the present restrictions on the distribution of coal in Christchurch being lifted, owing to better supplies of hard coal being available. These restrictions were brought into operation several years ago, when the output of bituminous or " hard ” coal was quite insufficient 'for requirements and the importations of coal from Australia and other places were limited. The principal effect of the restrictions, as far ns householders were concerned, was that they had to take a bag of lignite or brown coal with each hag of bituminous coal in order to conserve the supplies of bituminous coal for industrial purposes. The conditions are now stated to ho much improved, not because the output of West Coast coal has increased to any extent, bub because of the larger importations of Australian coal. Up to the present no official announcement has been made by the Christchurch Coal Trade Committee, which exists for the purpose of carrying out the restrictions, but it may be regarded as practically certain that within the course of the next few days householders will be able to purchase good bituminous coal without having to submit to an equal quantity of inferior lignite.

At present two boats—the Waipori and Pukaki—are in Lyttelton unloading supplies of Newcastle coal . The recent increase in the freight on coal from Westport is to be passed on to the public, who will be charged an additional 3d per bag for Westport and Stockton coal, bringing the price up to 6s 9d a bag. As there are twelve hags to the ton, and the increase in freight amounted to 2s 9d per ton, it will be seen that householders are asked to pay the actual difference which the company have to bear, plus 3d, this being duo to the fact that fractions cannot be dealt with.

The increase will not apply to State coal sold for domestic purposes, even though State coal is subject to increased freights. Mr Nalder, the local manager of the depot, has received instructions from Wellington that only coal sold for industrial purposes shall bo subject to the increases due to the higher freight charges. This means that for household purposes State coal may still be purchased at 5s pei* bag.