HARBOUR RATING AREA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 958, 23 February 1911, Page 3

HARBOUR RATING AREA.

(To the Editor). Sir,—l have read the extract from the Feilding Star and your comment on the same, in your issue of the xßth instant, and, while I have no desire to criticise adversely the opinions expressed by the Star, I would like to point out one aspect of the case which may affect the Star’s future policy in this important matter. At present Feilding must import and export either from Wellington or Wanganui. If a connection were made with the Sandou tram, Feilding could import direct from Europe via Foxton, and ship her exports direct for England at the same port. This would put Feilding in a highly la'/curable position to compete for the trade of the Main Trunk line and elsewhere, as compared with other towns. Feildiug’s back country is the Kimbolton and Apiti districts, and these areas will doubtless be connected by rail with Feilding before very long. Surely it is obvious that it would be greatly to the advantage of the great area mentioned that direct connection should be obtained with the nearest seaport—Foxton. The question of forming a rating area is one for the people to decide themselves, but one fact is clear : if Feilding is to fulfil her destiny she must have two things: railway communication with the Kimbolton and Apiti district, and railway connection direct with Foxton. The editor of the Star is a farseeing man, let him contemplate the position of Feilding with these public works completed and without.—l am, etc., Argus.