THE COASTAL SERVICE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13921, 27 March 1909, Page 2

THE COASTAL SERVICE.

IMPORTANT ALTERATIONS.

As briefly stated in yesterday's Herald, some important alterations in the fares, freight, and running have been decided upon xby the Union and Northern Steamship Companies for their vessels trading on this coast. The opening of the Main Trunk railway has diverted the passenger traffic on the New Plymoutn-Onehunga service and consequently the shipping companies have made a considerable reduction in the passenger fees. On the other hand the freight has been increased. The daily service bjgtween this port and Onehunga will, from April 1 next, b». discontinued as it is the Union Company's intention to despatch only two boats per week. The Rotoiti (the vessel that will eventually be engaged on the service) will leave Wellington >on the Wednesday evening for New . Plymouth, sailing from that port on Thursday for Onehunga. On Saturday morning the Rotoiti returns from Onehunga to New Plymouth and in the evening sails from New Plymouth for Onehunga. On Monday she leaves Onehunga j arriving at New Plymouth on Tuesday, sailing again the same day for Wellington, where she arrives on Wednesday. leaving Wellington again on Wednesday evening she repeats the trip. The local manager of the Northern Steamship Company informed a Herald reporter this morning that although his company was following the Union Company's steps with regard to the fares and freight, as yet he had no instructions^ as to any alteration in the running of the Rarawa on the New Plymouth-Onehunga service. "As far as I know at present," he continued, "the present arrangements will hold good v " . . The Corinna's usual fortnightly visit from Southern ports will be continued. It has been decided that the Union Company's steamer Koonya will, whilst en route from Wellington to Westport and Grftymouth, call at New Plymouth, arriving here every alternate Tuesday. The alteration will necessitate the Koonya passing Nelson, but it has been decided that the Putaki will work that port. It will thus be seen that whilst the Takapuna is to be- relieved from this service her absence will be partly compensated for by the presence of the Koonya, which is a fine cargo steamer of 1091 tons, commanded by Captain Nicholsen.