Carringe of Wool.

Otago Witness, Issue 1880, 2 December 1887, Page 10

Carri nge of Wool.

EDITOR WITNESS. Sm,-"It would be a pity if only one sfcle of the above question should be put before th« public. Some years ago waggoners started to tioriJpete with the railway between Lawrence and Dunedin, but the result was tttinous to all tho roads in the districts through which the waggona passed ; 60 much so that tho Bruce county, in self-defence, re-established tolls, and the traffic ceased at once. Some time ago a little competition was entered into in the matter of carriage between luvercargill and Bluff, and grieved domplaiats were mad c about rail way charges, but In a short time, I am informed (not knowing of my own knowledge), the roads became impassable and the traffic there also ceased. Waggons can only compete at the expense of toad districts; and it is unfair to contrast the cost of carti&ge unless all charges are included. If this were done, 1 believe it wonld be found that the money which finds its way into Messrs Smith's pockets comes out of the pockets ol the Bruce county snd other ratepayers. I am no advocate for snch linea of railway as that of Tuapcfea— tfn the contrary, I have always been of opinion that they should be partially closedi if nor. wholly closed ; but It would only be increasing the evil already existing to decrease the freights further below paying level than they now stand, aud any large increase of traffic by way of compensation I regard as hopeless at present. The remedy lies with the road districts ; if tbene choose to be taxed for the benefit of Messrs Smith and others, I don't see any reason why they should not enjoy that pleasure. In this particular contract the Messrs Smitb are getting more than the value of their money It is quite legitimate for them to do as they have done, but ifc is well that the conditions under which such a contract can be carried out should bo understood.— l am, &c, J. Wood. Norc'tflber 2f»<