Unfair Competition.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 103, 9 June 1884, Page 2

Unfair Competition.

[Woodville Exammei*.]

The proprietor ot the Napier-Wood-ville line of coaches has done a thing which is no credit to him, m adopting ii "running off" policy between Woodville and Makotoko. Hitherto lie has been running- aa alternate morning and afternoon coach — the former leaving Makatoko tooearly for the arrival of the train from Napier ; and on these days travelling: accomodation has been provided by local enterprise, at moderate rates 1 . The coach proprietor charges 17s 6d between Woodvillo and Makatoko whereas Messrs Hambling and Edwards charge only 10s, while their charges fur carriage ot goods ai'e als» much less. Now "hern are two men. earning and honest livelihood, and interfering with no one. They havenot been winning m opposition to the* line of coaches, but " have merely stepj)etl m to fill a breach where such existed. Are they then, because--they have provided a public convenience where necessaiy, and. afc reasonable rates- to be thrown over lo> satisfy (he selfishness of any man? Wo cry, " For shame'!" to the spirit which would' admit of such a thing. What, would the coach monopoly bo but for these men, who have given the public the advantage of their services? The coach fares between Woodvillo and Palmerslon are hoc under a shilling a mile, and what would people have to pay to travel to Makatoko or Matamau, as the case may be ? The coach proprieter in-s-tilutes a Hue of coaches specially to oppose Messr* Ed wards and Rambling, running with them at the .same time, carrying passengers for nothing. Why does he not= also carry passengers by his other coaches for nothing 1 Simply that he may have the monopoly of the road and do what he likes, and treat the public how he pleases. I a this a spirit which the people should support? Is the self-interest of a coach pioprietor living m Masterton to be studied before that of two hardworking, industrious settlers? We hope the settlers of this and the surrounding districts will treat this step of the coach proprietor's wirh the contempt it deserves, and support men who are trying to earn an honorable livelihood against any rapacity which any man, especially an outsider, may bring lo bear to drive them from the means which they have hitherto persue I of gaining a living