Our partners in communication

That's how Solid Energy's CEO Don Elder described the media people who stood under the marquee erected on the site of the to-be-built briquetting factory near Mataura.
I can see why he said it.
Since the day Mr Elder described that cosy relationship with journalists and their newspapers, we've had a steady flow of feel-good articles published, highlighting the obvious benefits of lignite mining to the Southland community. There is huge enthusiasm, we are told, for it. At least for the jobs it will bring. Well, only for the jobs, you'd have to conclude, after reading the responses from people interviewed by those journalist 'partners'.
Today, there are two articles in The Southland Times; one describing the 'plant information day' held at Gore, where  'most interest was in the jobs'. Solid Energy communications manager Sarona Iosefa 'reiterated comments by chief executive Don Elder last week that the company was committed to jobs for the community.
  "The jobs are there for the offering. If you are the best candidate...you get the job."
Them's weasel words right there Sarona!
Still, don't want to spoil the glow. The second article titled,
"Southland man to keep the home fires burning" describes lucky man Neil Hall who already has one of those jobs and will 'lead the team of 13 at Solid Energy's $25 million briquetting plant, scheduled to start production in June."
So there are 13 jobs up for grabs.
I'm keen to see how many of those do go to the Mataura men and women Elder spoke to and about at the blessing ceremony.
The proof of the pudding will be in that eating.
I'm sure the coal industry's 'partners in communication' will keep us in the know.
Eh.