KAWHIA TRADE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14012, 17 September 1909, Page 3

KAWHIA TRADE.

Mr. C. F. E. Barton, clerk to the Kawhia County Gnunfcil, wrote that lithad been instructed to bring under the nofice of the board tho following matter affecting the steamer trade between the Now Plymouth port and Kawhia - "During the past year or so the tr-ulo Iwtween Now- Plymouth and Kawhin has Ih-oii steadily increasing. Until recently goods for Kawhia wont via Wn tara, but sinoe the Northern Coiiipai>\ '•■ steamer has boon unable to work th" latter port, tho goods have boon brou >n from Now Pl\ mouth breakwater. Owing to the heavy charges for borthage. etc., at your port, the Northern Steirn Ship Company has practically abandoned sending the s.s. Rimu to the breakwater and thus a severe blow has be -n given to the trade between New P)\mouth and Kawhia. It is, of coin>unnecessary for me to point out to you the desirahilitv of maintaining the trade l>otwoen New- Plymouth and thi< rapidly progressing district, but as things are at present it looks as if the whole of the trade must go to Auckland. I am directed to suggest thil your board may be able to assist matters in the way of reducing .your berthage rates in respect of small vessels such as trade at this port. For instance vessels of small tonnage loading or discharging cargoes under twenty tons and not occxipying your wharf for over an hour might be berthed st a reduced rate. The council is approaching your board on this matter because it recognises tbe importance of maintaining a steamer connection to the south via your port and trusts to receive your co-operation."

The Chairman expressed the opinion that the 1 ward's charge of 16s 3d per trip was not sufficient to drive the trade away. On the motion of Mr. Maxwell it was decided that a return be prepared and forwarded to the council showing the total charges levied upon the Rimu during the post twelve months.