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Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1924, Page 2

It is at least satisfactory to find that tbe question of tho very unfair alliance of this part of the district with tbe Grey harbor district is not being lost sight of. It was very unfair indeed that on the eve of the linking up of tho two Coasts, tlie Westland County area which had already its local obligations in regard to lnubors, should have tbe -share of the burden of another barbar put upon it. There is a very resolute feeling of opposition locally, and it was resolved some time ago to petition for a icview of the matter by Parliament. With the opening of tbe through railway and a practical indication being given of the diversion of trade, the time was considered opportune for the preparation and circulation of tbe petition. However, when the matter was discussed at the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Monday night, tbe Chairman (Mr l'erry) "'bo is also a member of tbe Grey Harbor Board, advised postponing action to await developments. He explained that as the position stood, at present there was not any likelihood of rating being put oil the people- ’1 his for the reason that there was a large sum in the hands of the Board, and no extraordinary expenditure contemplated immediately. There was <>l course the general proposal for a deep sea liarhour, on which the marine ' engineers were reporting but the report was delayed, and circumstances were so falling out that it was not likely the project would ho proceeded with, however practical it might be found from an engineering point of view. The fact remained that there was not likely to be the trade from inter-colonial steamers to justily the very great expenditure which would have to bo met for such a work. In all tbe circumstances the meeting thought it wise to hold over the question of the proposed petition, and so action in the matter was deferred sine die. No doubt the subject is one which will be kept in mind, so that il occasion should arise, the interests of the people will be safeguarded to the iidlest extent.

The subject of rival trading relations as affecting Const interests was further revived at the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Monday night. Hie interest of tlm Wellington people is unflagging, and further offers of support to help the Coast were made. The meeting resolved, not unnaturally, to appreciate the efforts of our Wellington friends and to reciprocate as far as possible. The Chairman expressed the position vo)y"well when he remarked that it was not desired to lose touch with Wellington, which was a good market for some of our commodities. It is in the interests of'the place to have as many trade routes and markets as possible, and for that reason in particular 'Wellington’s interest- is a source of help. It is perhaps not surprising that the Coast trade is being competed fer keenly. It is a good general trade, and invariably safe. Now that Canterbury has the opportunity of entering the lists on terms of general equality, the rivalry thereby resulting is bound to stir up those places where'hitherto a somewhat exclusive trade was enjoyed. There are, of course certain classes of goods which bulk large, and in volume supply considerable freight. All classes of cereals etc., range in this category, and Canterbury has the initial advantage in this trade being the main source of supply. Now that, in addition, Canterbury has the railway tapping the very centres where the supplies are grown, there is,p special advantage to the district in holding the trade. Even before the days of the railway, the bulk of supplies came from East Coast ports by sea. but now it is cheaper in nearly every instance to send the commodities by rail. As Air Ferry remarked the other evening, tnose best able to supply the goods ■will command the trade and reap the advantage. That- is the crux of the position, and trading relations will adjust themselves under that particular condition.. But the rivalry can do the

Coast no harm, and the more suitors it has for its trade, the greater the public advantage. In that regard the Coast seems to be placed very happily.