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If you ask us to cover the deficiency by increased selling-rates, I reply that it w 7 ould require full 2s. per ton on sales to do so, and it is quite impracticable in the face of the price New South Wales coal is being sold at and the favour Westport coal commands. Believing there is much misconception in the public mind as to the prices we realise, it may be some information to you to know the actual facts : we therefore attach a schedule giving them in detail, and add that these rates have not been changed for upwards of tw 7 o years, and are available to all coal-dealers, steam-users, and manufacturers. As the loss now being incurred by the company on the whole mine's output is so serious, we request the earliest possible reply to this communication ; and, as further proof of the company's wish to work harmoniously with your Association, we are quite willing to work the collieries on any equitable co-operative basis that you may suggest. We suggest you take the collieries on lease, or take a contract to deliver us the coal at whole cost at the screens, owners reserving in either case efficient control and supervision, and this leasing or contract may be for a lengthened term of years in either ease, or in any other alternative which your Association may suggest. I can promise you the hearty co-operation of the company to make the result a financial success. Yours, &c, The Secretary, Miners' Association. M. Kennedy, Managing Director.

Coal Sales Price.

111.-CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE A.M.L. ASSOCIATION, WESTPORT, AND THE WESTPORT COAL COMPANY. Deae Sir, — The Westport Coal Company (Limited), Westport, 16th June, 1890. I want a deputation to-night at 7 o'clock; kindly arrange for some one to take your place for a short time. I find your restriction applied to-day reduces our output by 77-|g tons per day. This would take sixteen "additional hewers to make up the output to what it was before your enforced restriction. I have received a communication from Mr. Waters on the subject. You have certainly treated us in a harsh and scornful manner. You did not even deem it necessary to inform us of your intention until I asked if the thing was true. I am perfectly satisfied the company will not stand this, let the consequence be what it may. Yours, &c, Thomas Brown, Mr. John Lomas, President, Miners' Association, Denniston. Mine-manager.

Gentlemen, — The Westport Coal Company (Limited), Westport, 17th June, 1890. Permit me to ask you to reconsider the decision you arrived at on Friday night—namely, to restrict each man's output to nine tubs per shift. 1 find, after going carefully through the work-books, that it will make a difference to our daily output of 77 tons 8cw 7 t., or 464 tons Bcwt. per week. This is a very serious matter to the company. The trade has increased beyond our capabilities now; of course, this is largely owing to such a number of men lying idle ;' but you will admit that it is not an easy matter to obtain the services of seventeen coal-miners without at least fair notice. The restriction, if enforced, will necessitate the immediate employment of the above number—namely, seventeen men—to produce the same quantity of coal that is now being produced by you without restriction. As a matter of fact, the wages for the extra men have to be deducted from the amount now paid to yourselves. It has always been my opinion that the fewer men were about the place the better it would be for those w 7 ho were employed on the work. The trade is not steady all the year round; hence the necessity for both workmen and employers to take advantage of good trade when obtainable. If restricting those who are able to fill more than nine tubs would enable those who fill less to fill the nine there could not be much objection ; but that result cannot be brought about by the process named. I ask you therefore to allow the work to go on as heretofore. It w 7 ould be both cruel and unjust to the company to reduce their output by at least one full day per fortnight without giving sufficient time to have the case considered in all its bearings. I am, &c, Thomas Beown, To the miners' meeting. Mine-manager.

Place. Screenea. Unscreenea. Small. F.o.b. at Greymouth O.f.o. at— Wellington ... Lyttelton ... Dunedin ... per ton ... „ ... „ £ s. 0 12 a. 7 ,-fi s. 0 10 a. 6 £ s. a. 0 6 6 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 18 0 19 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 15 0 0 16 0 N.B.—Eetail dealers at Wellington require an advance of fror ,o cover all charges and make a living at the business. We pay freight as follows : — Greymouth to Wellington ... Greymouth to Lyttelton Greymouth to Dunedin To Timaru and Oamaru ... ... ... ... m 10s. to 12s s. a ton on cost price s. a. ... 7 0 ... 8 0 ... 9 0 ... 9 6