The Tutanekai.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1922, Page 4

The Tut anekai.

fares and freights to west COAST. 1 11 WELLINGTON, September S. d The prospects of daiiying in South o Westland, which would seem to he fair- ii ly bright, are hampered by the cost of 1 getting cattle and material from Otago to those who have taken up land, especially in the vicinity of Okuru. In the . House of Representotives to-day, Mr T. E. Y. Seddon mentioned the matter and asked if freights could lie reduced especially for cattle sent from Otago, in the Government steamer Tutanekai. The Minister of Marine (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) replied that the freight ( charged by the Tutanekai had been put up, as in the case of other steamers. He was. however, well acquainted with the position of the settlers in South Westland and had come to the oonelu- j sion that something must be done lor them. The Tutanekai would take round as many cattle as she could on her next trip. At present he was going into the question of freights and would lot the hon. member know next week what had j been decided. He could assure him that the Department- was desirous of I meeting the settlers as far as possible in the matter of freight, i In regard to fares, tourists and others who travelled by Hie steamer used to be ! carried at the rate of 10s a day. The ! rate was put up to 15s nml latterly to ! £1 a day. which was what it cost to cover expenses. He would look into the whole matter and see what could he done to make the traffic a reasonably \ paying proposition, and at the same I time to meet the requirements of the j district.