The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1893. Railway Freights on Produce

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 135, 4 May 1893, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1893. Railway Freights on Produce

♦ In our report of the meeting held at Makino on Monday night, it was stated that tho Railway Commis sioners did not make the slightest effort to assist the farmers and producers on this coast by offering facilities to got buUor nni other results of, their labors to the nearest shipping port — Wellington. Mr (Jorpo compared the troatment roceived by tho Australian farmers with that of tho New Zealand farmers from their respective Governments, very much to the disadvantage of tho latter. It was not even hinted that our farmers should be fostered and coddled by subsidies, or have anytbing forced upon them which would deprive them of theit independence and feeling of self reliance. All that is asked for is well appointed and suitable trucks on tho railway, and cheap freights. The charge of 40s per ton on butter is eimply extortionate and a heavy and unjusfc tax on a class of men who are already more than sufficiently burdened with taxation, direct and indirect. Mr Corpo appears to be of tho opinion that pressure should bo brought to boar on Members of tbo House of Repro sentatives who ait for country electorates. We heartily concur, and would urge upon all concerned to keep that point steadily in view at tho nest election. But, in tho meantime, we would suggest that something be attempted at once. On Monday night next there will bo a mooting of gentlemen to complete arrangements for tho definite establishment of a Chamber of Commerce in Feilding. Wo have been informed by the convener, ll is Worship the Mayor, that invitations have been sent to a considerable number of residents in the town and suburbs, who are all either directly or indirectly interested in agriculture and pastoral pursuits. We are confident that the meeting will bo a success. Now, a strong chamber of this kind can bring to bear a great deal of pressure, both on the Railway Commissioners, and tho Directors of the Wellington-Manawatu Eailway Company, and, assisted by the chamber iv Palmerston North, some concessions are certain to be obtairied. Charging high freights on produce ia like killing the goose that laid the golden eggs. The more farmers, the more men employed, and therefore, the more dutiable goods consumed. These goods have to come over the railway lines as return freight, and the consequent increase would not only compensate for any loss, but would in a remarkably short time, result in a profit. This was discovered long ago in America, as regards the carriage of grain, and the experience gained in that enterprising country should surely be made our own.