THE COAL SHORTAGE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160739, 27 August 1920, Page 11

THE COAL SHORTAGE

END OF THE DEADLOCK. RELIEF IN WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 25. There is a general feeling that the deadlock on the wharves has ended. Considerable interest was taken in the call for waterside labour this morning. The call with respect to the Japanese steamer, Meikai Maru, laden with superphosphates, was made just before 8 o’clock, and itt was quite evident that the more militant section has cooled down very much since yesterday. Still a certain amount of patience had to be exercised, but after about 20 minutes a full complement for the Meikai Maru was obtained, and the way was then clear for the employment of other labour. The announcement that fresh labour would be engaged was received with cheers, and by 9 o’clock all the boats, including several with coal, were being worked. The first load of coal was received at the city Power House soon after 10 o’clock, and the tramway services resumed about noon. The Karamu is discharging a cargo of coal at Miramar wharf, but the Gas Company is unable to say when tho wants of its customers can be supplied again.