Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1921. NEW SHIPPING COMPANY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2283, 31 May 1921, Page 2

Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1921. NEW SHIPPING COMPANY.

TIIE public meeting convened by Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., and held yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of furthering the promotion of district company to purchase one or two steamers to trade with the local port, was well attended, and much interest evinced in the proposal, and incidentally in the welfare of the port. Upwards of I,oob shares were promised in Ihe meeting. A motion was carried to the effect that when £B,OOO Worth of shares are applied for, that an expert be appointed to obtain options over a suitable steamer to take up a regular service between Foxton

and Wellington. Some time ago a company was formed, and.the Kennedy was purchased to take up the running to the local port, hut apparently she is not suitable to work the bar, and has been diverted to more profitable running. The result is that the port is practically idle. It was pointed out yesterday that the bar and river is as' good to-day as it ever was. There is a difference of opinion, on this point. Wc are informed that the bar now runs right across the mouth, with a channel at the north, which compels a vessel to steer broadside on to make the entrance. This, of course, is fraught with danger. If a vessel could head straight in or out over the bar (lie risk would be minimised. The Board now proposes to commence dredging operations, which it is hoped will result in keeping the entrance clear and minimise all risks. Once this is accomplished a regular service would be a very payable proposition, as there is sufficient freight offering to keep not one, but three or four vessels constantly employed. We wish the promoters of the new company every success, because they are actuated by a desire to promote the best interests of the port and district, and in this they have the backing of the Board. It would be disastrous, after years of battling to get the Board reconstituted, to allow the port to revert back to the Railway Department. This can be obviated by settlers assisting in establishing a regular shipping service to the port, and taking shares in Ike new com-* panv.