Merchant $7 a Ton In connection vith rumours or de~ Anite charges of profiteering on the part of coal dealers, an oficial of the Shanghai © Municipal Council's Supplies and Fuel Committee definitely refuted these allegations in an Interview with the *North-China Dally News" on Nov. 5. when he pointed out that al~ though a certain increase was to be noted, this rise in price was solely Jdue to special circumstances prevalling as a direct result of the hostilities and in fact, represented tittle or extra profit to the dealer "Me "North-China Dally News" was [shown a statement which listed the prices at which competitive bitus Minows coals were selling up to August 13—when hostilities around Shanghai opened—and hose now lasked. From that statement, it was lear that the difference in price on 'a delivered basis is, on an average, About $7 a ton. This is accounted for very largely by delivery charges and tolls for all stocks held above The boom across the river at Nantao, plus an allowahee of $150 for addi-Honal sea freight on replacements, which figure is considered ty no means exaggerated.
'The figures given in the statement' form a. pretty telling argument against charges of profiteering, as the return or yield on an ex-wharf basis to the owner to-day appears to be Ro higher than it was before the "trouble," the price rise being occounted' for solely by the extraordinary charges referred to above. The "North-China Dally News" was informed that a number of leading coal merchants had been interviewed fas regards stocks in Poolung and Charges Per Ton It Is estinlated that on October 13 over 200,000 tons of coal (inclusive of a large quantity of anthracite) of Shanghai's total stock of approximate-300,000 tons was then in Pootung, and the following charges per ton had to be paid and are expected in connection with the removal of Whort discharge 23)
Motor terry One of the largest Chinese companies reported that sea freight has worked out at $10 a ton, as against normal $2.50, Added to the charges shown above, Jconsideration must be given to the fever-present and additional risk of motor lorries being commandeered by the military "authorities. these circumstances, the official concluded, an increase in the retail selling' price of coal is inevitable, but there would seem to be no Justification for any exceptional rise,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.