NEW SHIPPING COMPANY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 24 April 1901, Page 4

NEW SHIPPING COMPANY.

The adjourned meeting of tlie Chamber of Commerce was held tn the Town Hall last night, the President (Mr. Matheson) in the chair. There was a goud attendance of merchants and importers. The Chairman explained tlie cause for calling the meeting, namely : to see what could be'done to make better arrangements for "the carriage of goods to this port. Freights were too high and transit of goods too slow. Mr. Campbell said the question for the meeting was a vexed one. Numerous complaints had been made, but no remedy had been forthcoming. It seemed to him that the only remedy was in forming a shipping company. While carriage was being reduced, the Union Company was increasing. The merchants of this town were "being trodden on and they had now turned. It would be necessary to see what support could be got from all parts of the Coast. A capital of £6o,ooo,would be sufficient to purchaso two thoroughly up-to-date steamers.

The Chairman thought it would be better to form a committee to report upon the matter. Ho pointed out the Timber Company as an evidence of what success could be arrived at.

Mr. Thomas would like to have an expression of opinion. He favored a. circular being issued to the importers on the West Coast, and ascertain-what support was forthcoming. He favored chartering at first.

Mr Jay said if a company could be formed to bring in merchandise and take away timber it could be made a success. He would like to see a committee formed to go thoroughly into the matter and especially' into the matter of obtaining coal.

Mr Guinness said there was ample justification for the people of the Coast to take the matter up. In regard to passenger accommodation they had very much to complain of; fares were too high and accommodation too limited. With regard to coal monopoly, it had only to be shown to be remedied by legislation. Ho favored the formation of a committee to report. Mr Parfitt favored the course suggested. At least two boats would be necessary The people of Hokitika and Eeefton would require to have a well defined plan placed before them. Mr Campbell did not see how they were to charter steamers without a substantial capital behind them. He maintained that the first principal to be laid down was that the company should lie a strong one. Thero was a good field for the trade and a fair prospect of success. Mr Jay said that before going outside the town they must get substantial support among themselves. Mr Gittoes would like to get an idea of the cost of charter.

The Chairman said about £2OO per month per steamer. Mr Gittoes said it would have to be understood that the people would stick to the new company. Mr Hamilton said the Herald was leased for £4OO per month. Mr Lord said he had offers for over twenty steamers. The Chairman moved that a committee consisting of Messrs Campbell, Thomas, Guinness and the mover be appointed to get necessary information and report to meeting next week. Seconded by MiKettle and carried.