THE GOAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9874, 14 October 1899, Page 1

THE GOAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

IMPORTANT PROPOSALS. (By Telegraph.— Special to Herald.) WELLINGTON, October 13. Tho report of tho Coal Committee was laid on the table of the Houso this afternoon. Tho Committee recommends — (1) That, as soon as practicable, railway haulago rates in respect of coal should bo revised on the principle of giving relief to those- properties most remote from ports of shinincut; (2) that Section 17 of Tho Coal Mines Act, 1891, ("owners and lessees bound to supply coal") should be amended so as to apply the same safeguai'd now provided in cases of vessels requiring coal for straining purposes to thoso requiring coal for cargo; (3) that it appears advisable that the present system of loading screened coal by staiths at Westport should be superseded by the hydraulic crane system (West Coast coal is exceptionally friable, and loss through breakage involves a loss up to additional cost ot 3s per ton ; (4) that the Government obtain expert information regarding tho prieo at which coal can at reasonable profit bo conveyed by sea, and, failing tho adoption of such scale by the companies interested, that the Government take into consideration the advisability of procuring steamers for the purpose of conveying coal (purchased by Government at ports of shipment) to various ports now being supplied from the West Coast, and opening State agencies under State, control ; (5) that legislation bo passed providing lor weighing all coal retailed to eonsumerß,e onsumerß, and affording buyers tlie fullest opportunity for satisfying themselves a.s to the weight of tlieir purchases.