WEST COAST TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1924, Page 4

WEST COAST TRADE.

WKUJXOTOX IX'i'KUKST. WELLINGTON, l-'ol). S. A moelinp of tin* Welli n<j;tmi Cliamlirr df Commerce was held to-day with a view of cuinhaiinp lormidable Canterburv rivalry in West Coast trade, Wellington I>u si ness ihi’ii , since the Otira Tunnel opened. beinp seriously coMcenicd at the prospect ol hoinp deprived o! loiip-staiidmp and lucrative ti-ade. .Mr .1. Myers, who preside)!, said Wellington was now losing Coast trade sin- had held lor of) years. 1 hey could not compete m passenger traflic, hut it wr.s car on traflic ahunt which they were ehiel'y concerned. lie ihoupld if a prclerential railway tarilT were piven Caiderhury it would be unfair, as other competitors would be frozen mil. Other speakers said the Coast was for the cord trade the most important centre in tin* Dominion, and it was uccessarv for Welliupon to maintain the trade with those parts. Surprise was f, 1 1 at the proposal for preference to Chrisichurcli merchants. Mr T. Brash favoured a regular steamer service to the Con si. Mr Leiph Hunt said It'ciiup varied on the Coast. Westport- was loyal to Wellington. In Groymoiitli some were staunch and others luke-watni. Hokitika, havinp ahauodned its luirhour scheme, seemed to look naturally to ('bids tchui'i h. it was decided to set up a special committee on the subject.