WANGANUI RIVER SERVICE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 496, 31 August 1912, Page 5

WANGANUI RIVER SERVICE.

STATE CONTROL URGED. Some candid criticisms of the Wanganui river service were expressed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday during a discussion on a question by Dr Newman, member for Wellington East, proposing that the service be nationalised. The reply made by the PostmasterGeneral, Hon. R. H. Rhodes, was that the matter had Deen under the consideration of the Government,, but as the present contract had over two and a half years to run it had not been possible to take any action in the direction suggested. An early opportunity would, however be taken to have an exhaustive report prepared, which would enable the Government to determine whether it was desirable to take over the present service or to run steamers of its own. Mr Pearce, Patea, said the position of affairs was an extraordinary one. This service was a monopoly. The storekeeper who owned the service refused to carry goods unless they were bought at his store, but his contract had been renewed for three years just three months ago. The Government should get new steamers and run a new service. Mr Wilford, Hutt, said he thought all means of communication by land or water should be in the control of the Government. The time had arrived when the Government should take over the service. The Prime Minister replied that a contribution was made to the service by the Lands Department and the Postal Department of £1250 per annum. He would see that the provisions of the contract were carried out. When the contract expired in two and a half years, if the present Government was in power, the service would have to be very greatly improved if it remained under private control, or else it would be taken over by the State. Mr Veitch Wanganui, said if the contract could not be broken settlers along the river would willingly pay the compensation in order to be rid of the service. Hon. R. H. Rhodes. PostmasterGeneral, said that in consequence of what had transpired before he took office he had nothing to do but to sign the contract.