COASTAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16121, 9 May 1923, Page 2

COASTAL.

LOWER RATES wifEN HARBOR IS

IMPROVED.

The Chamber of Commerce, at -its-* Inst meeting, decided to write to Messrs. Richardson-and Go». requesting information as to whether that eon?.- ■ panywould be malting freight rate decreases in common with the UnionCompany. The Richardson Company has replied to the Chamber's onqidjjr $ as folhrws:— * -•■,--■—• •■■ ~... n

''.We must remind''ybu'that to lans cargo on -the wharf .'necessitates wait? ing time for tides, and there is incurred a big expense in reference to repairs to the vessols' bottom through dragging over the shallow places in tho river. A big risk to the-vessel'is'also incurred. ;. ..■'■"- V ■-!/•. v. •■",.-•'. .-.,-"".

. "If ample water was available fat tho entrance and alongside" l : the wharves, and which would obviate the vessels from resting on the bottom, and dragging over the shallow patches we would then certainly rates'in accordance with your contention. •':'.'-'■' V "

''Perhaps you have slightly, misunderstood tlio writer, as refercneo was certainly made to tho very erratic services given to the coasfc£'dnringV : the strike period, and this-could naturally be expected, but with the re-engage-* ment of the more experienced we hoped that matters would improve. At the present time the Awahow i» maintaining to Tolaga' and Tokomara practically a weekly service. These places are regulated by weather •eon*' ditiohs, and a typical illustration cai| be cited =by the Mako this last tripj; being over a fortnight out from Auckland, and has "nofcyet arrived,'aft Nanier.. . ■■• - • / »fe

i '"There is also a volume of cargo to contend with; and which to the minor places is small, and~oiir experience, 'duef to the slump period, has boon that We have lost heavily in tho working of the Mako and Awahou in this particular service. However, wo" recognipe that trade must be,catered for, and wo are hoping that ; with botjer. prices, for our. products' geierri](ljr throughout the Dominion,.: that v those will at any rate be an increase in ihe volume of cargo handled, and which will make it better forithjft, coastal Settlers, as" well as for ourselves."