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New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 334, 7 December 1864, Page 6

To the Editor of tlio New Zealand Herald. Sut, —In reference to your strictures on the subsidising and management of the ' Wonga Wonga' steamer, in your leader of the 3rd ultimo, I consider it a duty to the proprietors and captain to make you acquainted with, the fact that I have been a constant shipper of cargo, parcels, &c., to Jlatakana and other ports since she has been laid 011 for the Northern ports, and in 110 single instance liave I had reasou to complain—or had complaints forwarded to me—concerning the non-delivery of the goods, &c.; but, on the contrary, have bein highly satisfied by the prompt manner and good condition in which they have reached their destination; and as an individual 1 have been greatly benefitted by the convenience afforded, and regret that the 'Wonga Wonga' is abcut to be withdrawn. Tours truly, Dojn'axd M'LexnaX'. Auckland, Dee. 5, 1864. | The Superintendent made an agreement with the manager of the company to pay them a certain subsidy if they put on a steamer to the North, and he would recommend the Provincial Council to vote a certain amount for that service. The 'Wonga Wonga' commenced running to the North. The Superintendent did recommend a subsidy; and when the Council refused to vote, they were informed that in consequence of this vote the ' Wonga Wonga' would cease running. So that if she has not been subsidised, this arises from the adverse vote of the Council. That she commenced running on the agreement mentioned above will not, -we venture to think be denied. The financial loss has been a matter of notoriety ; and the complaints from wouldbe passengers at Coromandel who saw the * Wonga Wonga' steaming away and declining to wait for them, tho complaints that the ship would not land cargo, and the letter from Mr. James (published in our columns—giving liis experience), are the authorities for what the captain calls our " false statements." The worthy captain of the ' Wonga Wonga' is under a misconception in fancying that we have any desire to place either himself or the company in a false position, Our eudeavour has along been to place the subject in a true position, by showing that steam to the North will not at present pay, and that Government funds should not be used to help to make it pay. We shall be rejoiced at the speedy arrival of the day when the traffic on tho route will be sufficient to pay any steamer, and the proposals we advocate will hasten that day.—Ed. N. Z. H.]