COAL EMBARGO.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160734, 21 August 1920, Page 5

COAL EMBARGO.

REACTS OH WANGANUI. SERIOUS SHORTAGE AT GASWORKS. The attitude of the Commonwealth Government in placing an embargo on Newcastle coal for export Is, in addition to Mr Massey’s telegraphed prediction of a shortage for railway purposes, calculated to have an immediate effect upon the Wanganui gasworks. At the present time supplies are very low, and there is only about enough coal in hand to last until Tuesday next. The Borough Council has a contract with Messrs Lamb and Co. for supplies from Newcastle, and the Commonwealth Government has now definitely refused to allow the Joan Craig to load for Wanganui. The Council is endeavouring to borrow a few tofts from the Railway Department. It is also in the unfortunate position of having lent 200 tons to Palmerston. A promise was given that this coal would be returned in July, but up to the present, it has not come to hand. In to-day’s issue the Town Clerk requests the public to restrict the use of gas for all purposes, and business people are requested to cut off all outside lighting. Until the difficulty is overcome, the gas pressure will be cut down in order to conserve the supply.