COAL SUPPLIES GOOD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16696, 30 March 1922, Page 7

COAL SUPPLIES GOOD.

HOUSEHOLDERS SHOULD STOCK UP. Although coal supplies are good, with no fear of a shortage, householders are advised t-o stock up norv for the winter, if only to avoid the delays consequent on an accumulation of rush orders when the weather breaks. Labour troubles on. the West ,-Coast are not expected in the coal trade, but the winter supply is dependent on the maintenance of supplies from tho Coast. All the merchants., however, arc well stocked with hard coals at present, and this has had the effect of putting the poorer qualities of lignite in disfavour. A reduction in labour costs anu freights would lead to a reduction in the retail price of coal. A leading merchant, however, states that while the trend of prices has been steadily downward since last winter, tho present price was not likely to fall. He strongly advised those who were able to do so to stock up now for tho whole wintof. [ The quality of the coal now offering j i-> good, and there is very little danger of buying rubbish at market rates. Timber is available in large quantities as usual. Bluegum blocks are quoted at 6d a bag more than pine. Men working on pine plantations are quoting a. load of about fourteen bags for 275, which is substantially below | the ruling rate per bag.