EXTENSION OF THE FEOZEN MEAT TRADE.

Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 103, 28 October 1884, Page 4

EXTENSION OF THE FEOZEN MEAT TR AD E.

* TO THE EDITOR. Sib— Any one who has studied the report of tho Committee on the North Island Bailway with the evidence put before it, mast see that the Central line is, at a long interval, the boat lino that could be adopted. The gradients are favourable, whereas thoßO on the Stratford line are almost impraotioable for heavy haulage. The Central lino opens the head waters of four rivers, the Eangitikei, the Turakina, the Wangaehu, and tho Whanganui, whereas lie Stratford lino is confined to one valley, apparently without a chance of making lateral roads as feeders, and the central lino ia considerably Bhorter than the Stratford lino. Notwithstanding this overwhelming evidence, the Taranaki members hold out for tho Stratford line as giving them a more direofc communication with Auokland, which they say is their market. If they would consider tho question a little they would probably see tho fallacy of that contention. What are their products P Wool, sheep, cattle, possibly potatoes. Will either railway ever be able to oontend for the carriage of these products withßea carriage? Two hundred and fifty miles of railway oannot compote for through carriage of heavy goods with the steamers. And this brings me to a desired addition to the trade of Wellington One or more steamers ore required, fitted with refrigerating chambers, to ran to various parts of the coasts of both islands, and collect fat mutton for export to Manawatu, Rangitikei, Whanganui, Patea, Taranaki, Castle Point, Napier, Giaborne, Pioton, Blenheim, Flaxbourne, and Kaikoura. This would save driving, and consequent loss of weight, and would probably place Wellington in the first rank for meat export. I am, &0.. X,