WAIKATO RIVER TRADE.

SERVICE WITH ONEHUNGA. 81-WEEKLY CONNECTION, [ISY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] MERCER. Tuesday. The development of the transport trade up the Waikato River is proceeding steadily and next week the Northern Steamship Company is inaugurating a biweekly service between Onehunga and Port Waikato, in lieu of the present occasional trip once every ten days or so. The steamer Ngatiawa will leave Onehunga on Tuesdays and Friuays, connecting with the Roose Shipping Company's service, from Port Waikato to Hamilton, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is stated that the question whether freights by this route to Mercer and towns further up the river wiil be cheaper than railage from Auckland will depend largely on the volume of trade offering. The inauguration of a regular cargo service from tho South Island to Port Waikato is also anticipated, and in preparation for such trade the Roose Company is providing wharfage facilities at Hamilton. The company's new specially-designed river steamer Rawhiti is stated to have proved entirely satisfactory, more than fulfilling expectations. The company has received from England the component parts of a new triplo-screw steam tug, 68ft. long with 15ft. beam and a draught of about 2ft. 6in. This vessel is to be assembled at Mercer, and will be used for towing cargo-carrying barges. The company's fifth barge is now uearing completion on the slips at Mercer and is to be launched within the next few days, It is built of iron.