The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1919-12-11

With not ton of coal nor a cord of
wood in any of the local yards, with
more than 150 applications for per-
mits on file with the fuel administta-
tor and the valley in the grip of one of
the worst cold snaps in its history, the
best that can be said about the local
fuel situation is that it is critical. To
date no cases of actual suffering on
account Of the fuel shortage has come
to the notice Of the local authorities
but unless more fuel arrives in the
city within the next few days some
families may have to go cold.
Everything that possibly can be
done to relieve the situation is being
done. At a special meeting of the
city council Saturday evening E. o.
Keene was appointed fuel administra,
tor, in response to request from the
federal fuel administration. Since
early Monday morning Mr.. Keene has
been the busiest man in Kennewick.
AGAR of Utah coal was spotted on the
tracks late Saturday night and Mon
day morning there was a big rush to
replenish empty bins. None of the
coal, however, was distributed except
upon permits issued by the fuel adj
ministrator and no permits were is
sued to anyone who had more than
weeks supply of fuel. either coal or
wood, on hand. The maximum for
which permit will be issued is half
ton Of coal or half cord of wood.
There seems to be considerable un-
certainty as to when the next ship,
ment Of fuel will arrive. Dealers have
received invoices for three cars of coal
one car of Canadian coal has been
shipped from Seattle and one from
Spokane, both Of which should arrive
before the end of the week, altho there
is considerable uncertainty as to the
freight deliveries. Another car of
Utah coal is due to arrive almost any
time, but as it was shipped via the
O-W. on which all freight trains have
been temporarily annulled, its arrival
is a matter of much uncertainty.
Mr.. Keene said today that he has
enough applications on file now for
permits to exhaust the two cars of
Canadian coal and that by the time
they arrive many of those who drew
permits Monday will be out Of fuel
and on the waiting list before the new
stocks arrive. As yet no attempt has
been made to ascertain what surplus
stocks are in the hands of individuals
who laid in winters supply ahead of
the shortage. In the event the situa.
ton becomes more critical it may be
necessary for the administrator to de-
mand that those who have more fuel
than is necessary for their needs for
the next thirty days to give up part
of the contents Of their bins to be dis
tributed as emergency fuel to those
in direst need.
The Church Mfg. Co. company re-
ceived car Of steam coal Saturday
and from this source the Hover block
and other heating plants which can use
this kind of coal are being supplied.
The Pacific Power & Light company
has a small supply of steam coal in
its auxiliary steam plant here and
this also will be distributed in cases of
extreme emergency.
In the meantime everything possible
is being done to conserve fuel and to
reduce the demands of the community
to minimum. Upon orders of Mr..
Keene and Mayor Tweedt the follow
ing order became effective this mornig
Beginning Thursday, December IL,
and continuing until further notice,
the following hours will be observed: