Wanganui to the Front

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 27, 14 August 1886, Page 2

Wanganui to the Front

We observe that the "Wanganui Chamber of Commerce does not intend the opening of the Wellington-Man-awatu Railway to take the trade from that port, without an effort being made to retain it. At the laet meeting of the Board, referring to the tjuestion of freight from Rangitikei to Wellington, the Secretary said it would be cheaper for the Marton people to send their wool by way of the Wellington - Manawatu Railway direct to Wellington, but as thero would be cartage te the wharf there, the cost would be brought to about the same as by way of Wanganui. He tnoughfc the wharfage at Wan-

ganui of 9d per bale might be reduced say 5d per bale, while the ship freight might be lowered. A committee was appointed to enquire into the matter, to consult with the Harbor Board, and see if the owners of steamers will bring down their freight ■ charges. Of the letter there can be little doubt, because if they do j not they will get no cargoes. The railway will extinguish, the passenger traffic by sea, therefore ship owners will have only the option of reducing cargo rates, or taking the vessels off the line. We would regret to see the last contingency forced on them, because their preaenoe will always have the effect of checking any desire on the part of the railways to continue the exorbitant charges on produce, which have done so much to cripple agriculturalists and sawmillers on this coast. We hope the Chamber of Commerce will succeed in their object.