UNION COMPANY'S SERVICE TO THIS PORT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 October 1901, Page 3

UNION COMPANY'S SERVICE TO THIS PORT.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—On behalf of the citizens of this town, I wish to protest against the action of the Captain of the S.S. Wainui, for leaving the offing at 5 o'clook this morning with his steamer, whereas if he had waited until 8 a. m. he could have entered. His action deprived this place of its mails and goods, perhaps until Monday night. I need not describe the loss that is effected not alone to this community, f but to the whole of Westland. I made enquires from proper quarters, and the answer received was that if he came in here at tide it would spoil his chance of getting into Westport on the same tide, so that our interests are sacrificed, either for the sake of tho Union Coy or for the sake of Westport. I think the time has arrived, that if the Government is going to make our coal mines a State concern, that we should impress on them the necessity of providing this port with State steamers, as such conduct as has been exhibited this morning I think is intole arable for any community to put up with, Yours Ee3pectfully,—

A. Mathieson, Mayor.

Sih, —After the wretched experience of this morning, it is time that the merchants and others interested in the trade of this port tcok action to prevent like occurrences in the future. In my opinion no reasonable excuse can be put forward for the extraordinary proceeding —sending a steamer away from the roadstead three hours before high water when there was every indication of her being able to get in at the tide time —apparency to suit Westport and a time table. It is quite evident that if the interests of this port are to be conserved, we must have steamers running between Wellington, Nelson and Greymouth without calling at Westport, which, although a great coal port, is in regard to general traffic, quite insignificant eompared;with Greymouth. If the Union Coapany cannot see their way to such proposal, then it will devolve upon the people to provide the obvious remedy—another line of steamers. If the merchants combine such line could not fail to Say, the stout opposition of a strong comination notwithstanding. Tours, etc, — Merchant.