MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2095, 10 November 1880, Page 3

MEETING AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

A large number of farmers and others attanded at Mitchell's Royal Hotel, Southbridge, on Monday afternoon, for the purpose of discussing the new railway tariff. Amongst those present were Messrs K. B. Willis, J. B. Campbell, W. Gabbie, A. Storry, John Smithson, F. Jamieson, P. Campbell, and others. Captain Willis stated that after having read the new tariff it struck him that the enormities of the rates imposed fully warranted some substantial opposition being raised against it. He had spoken to several gentlemen on the subject, all of whom fully concurred in his ideas, so he had taken on himeelf to call the present meeting, and would like some one to propose a chairman. On the motion of Mr Wm. Gabbie, seconded by Mr A. Storry, Captain Willis was voted to the chair. The chairman spoke at great length on the subjeot, stating that the ratos were now so excessive that everyone in the district would goon feel their weight. Grain had baen raised Sd per ton, hay and potatoes Is, from Southbridge to Ohristchurch, and oattle and sheep 2s per truck to Addington. They would recollect that in 1877 the passenger rates were raised from 2kl and If d to 3d and 2d per mile, and merchandise, grain, and stock in proportion, but the farmers and others by public meetings, had petitioned the Government, and had them reduced. In 1879 the oharges were again raised, but as there was no growl raised this time, they had been allowed to remain. And a great mistake it was. They had not growled, and the Government apparently emboldened by this had again raised the tariff. He produced authenticated statistics from different parts of the world, showing that it was a fallacy to suppose that high rates increased the profits of a railway. He thought that rates should havo been reduced instead of increased. According to the "Government Gazette" tho Southbridge branoh stood seventh on the list of paying lines in the Middle Island. If they wanted to increase the tariff they should do bo on tha non-paying lines, and make a reduction on the paying lines, which would by increased traffic jgij still better.

Mr Pwter Campbell considered thst if the preeonfc high rates were charged it would be far cheaper for them to send their produce by road. Twelve years ago he had his grain taken from his own door to Ohristchurch for under 4d per bushel, and considering the improved roads since that time, he felt sure that if the carriers were well supported they would be able to do it for half the monoy now. He fully endorsed tho chairman's ideas, and mentioned several railway companies in Bnglana who had been very nearly on the verge of bankruptcy through excessive rates, and by obangos of directors had them reduced and made to pay handsomely afterwards, Mr Wm. Gabbie spoke at some length, endorsing all that had been said by the chairman and other speakers. Ho moved the following resolution:—"That a committee, consisting of Meesrß J. R.Campbell, E.J. Lee, R. B. Willis, T. Wauohop, O. Wilson and the mover be appointed to draw up a memorial to the Government, settingforth the grievance under which farmers in this district labor, and praying for alteration thereof." Mr J. R. Campbell had great pleasure in seconding this, as it was a matter that vitally effected the district generally. Mr Maxwell would be in town during tho week, and it would be a good opportunity of laying the matter before him.

The resolution was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed lie mooting.