CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12438, 10 April 1908, Page 7

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Strong frote»t re Wharf Sheet

A meeting of the above was held this morning, wneu there were present — Messrs J. ii. Kcesing (President, in the chair), J. H. Burnet, E. A. Campbell, G. Caiman, Lloyd Jones, J. T. Stewart, S. H. Maasou, C. li. Walker, ii. R. Morgan, J. Steveuson, F. Web~-Jones, A. W. Mounttort, jS. G. Armstrong, A. Burnett, T. W. Blenncrhassett, J. lirechin, the member tor Wanganui (Mr. J. i\ Hogan), and the -i.ayor (Mr. C. E. Mackay).

NEW MEMBERS. Messrs W. Pinches and F. H. Allen were elected members.

Tlie letter (published in last evening's issue of the was read from tiie Hon. Hall Jones, in reply to the Chamber's representations, to the effect that the Minister thought the proposed extension of the sheu by 100 feet would provide ample room to meet all requirements for some congiderable time to come, and comparing the Wanganui and Tiinavu sheds.

Mr Caiman said he had written the Department pointing out the inadequacy of the proposed extension and so far as the inference of the Minister was concerned about the shed being utilised as a warehouse, that was an unfair inference to draw. The Storm arrived yesterday and her cargo had been put into the shed, which was now full. The Ripple and other boats were to arrive to-day, and where was their cargo to go? The 100 feet extension, in his opinion, would be quite inadequate. And as to the figures quoted by the Minister about Timaru, he had suggested that a telegram might be sent to the Mayor of that town enquiring what was the total wharfage and tonnage last year, and^a reply had been received to the effect tnat the wharfage inwards tptalled .£6667 and outwards JJ6424, while the tonnage of the inward cargo was 86,220 and the outward 65,052. He (Mr Caiman) had made inquiries locally and found that the total inward cargo for Wanganui last year was ■£120,000— including .£90,000 general cargo and i>30.000 coal. It would thus be seen that Wanganui's inward business was greatly in excess of Timaru. At the latter port most of the inward cargo was landed on trucks and taken direct away to its destination at the various towns served by the port, and did not pass through the sheds there. In Wanganui, howevar, nearly all the inward cargo passed through the sheds, and yet Timaru had 80 feet more shed accommodation than was proposed to give to Wanganui. The whole thing was unfair. He moveo? that the Chairman and Secretary draft a letter to the Minister strongly protesting against the treatment meeted out to Wanganui in the matter of the wharf shed iiccommodation.

The President, in seconding the motion, contended that there was really no analogy between Timaru and Wanganui ports, inasmuch as the bulk of the shipping went empty to Timaru, while there was a large export trade. The sheds, howev?r, were not required for outward cargo. The inward trade of Wanganui was considerably larger than Timaru, and yet Timaru had 360 feet shed accommodation to Wanganui's 180 feet, and Wanganui had for years been forced to put up with inconvenience occasioned by the smalhnss of the shed. The colony was progressing at a very rapid rate, and it really appeared to him as if the Government had failed to appreciate the necessity for coping with the increased demands.

Mr Caiman mentioned that there was no port in the colony Y?Kere shed accommodation was provided for outward cargo.

Mr HOGAN suggested that no obstacles should be placed in the way of the Go vcrnment proceeding ,with the proposed 100 ft enlargement. If the matter were hung-up it might be many months before the shed was constructed. He thought they might proceed with the 100 ft extension, and afterwards endeavour to get a further extension -or another shed erected elsewhere. He questioned whether it would be wise to have al lthe accommodation in one building, in view of the fact that the wharf might be extended, lhe Railway Department some time ago approached the Harbour Board with a view to «nlarging the wharf, but the Board would not support the suggestion. It wag all very well to find fault" with the Government, but they had to remember that other parts of the colony had claims upon the public purse, and the Government was doing its best. If, however, the figures quoted by Mr Caiman were correct, and Wanganui's inward cargo was greater than Timaru's, Wanganui certainly was entitled to further assistance. He had recently discussed the matter with the Minister, and urged the need for further accommodation, and he would be pleased to work in conjunction with the Chamber. He reminded members that the Chamber had applied for a shed for outward cargo. The PRESIDENT said he had been informed that 1000 tons of cargo had to be dealt- with in the next day or two, in addition to Wellington steamer cargoes, and the proposed shed would only hold 600 tons. A deputation "from the Chamber had discussed the matter with the traffic manager, and he had admitted more accommodation was necessary, and it was only a question of money. The Mayor and member for the district were added to the committee and the motion was "carried. *"""