WANGANUI RIVER SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 20, 24 June 1913, Page 8

WANGANUI RIVER SERVICE.

DEPARTMENTAL ENQUIRY. SOME CHAXGES RECOMMENDED. Wellington, Monday. Last session, in response to.the representations of members, the Government promised to have enquiry made into the running of the subsidised steamer service on the Wanganui river by Messrs. Hatrick & Co. A Departmental enquiry has been held, and the findings of the officers who conducted it will in due course be presented to Parliament, without the evidence, which was given a» confidential.

The Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey) furnished the recommendations made by the Departmental officers Co a Dominion reporter last evening. They are as follows:

"That the subsidy now paid to the Wanganui River Trust be increased by £2OO per annum, on condition that the dues now levied on goods be abolished.

"That Mr. Hatrick's attention be directed to the high freights at the Taumaranui end, and that he be requested to consider what reductions can be effected.

"That Mr. Hatrick be requested to ■meet an officer experienced in such busi-' I ncss, with a view of making more equit- j ; able schedules of fares and freights. | schedules, of fares and freights be printed and exhibited at post offices. , "That an officer of the post office be periodically instructed to inspect the book in which Messrs. Hatrick & Co. enter goods for shipment, with a view "f ciliuring that they are despatched in accordance with the order of entry. "That the attention of the company be called to the complaint of disorderly conduct, and that they be requested to repress excessive drinking on the steamers. 'That before calling for tenders at the expiration of the present contract, a complete schedule of passenger fares and goods freights, both up and down river, be drawn up under three different scales a maximum based on the existing tariff, a middle, says 10 per cent, less, and a minimum 20 per cent, lower than the maximum, and that different tenders be called for under the three different scales."

The officers presenting their report, remark also that the root of the w'holo trouble in connection with tho Wanganui river service is the fact that the owners of the ships plying on the river are. also merchants competing for the supply of goods to the settlers.