STEAMER SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 29 August 1942, Page 4

STEAMER SERVICE

DECISION TO DISCONTINUE

Bwrgaville, Aug. 27. Considei’able concern is expressed by settlers in the Dargaville district at the decision of the Kaipara Steamship Company to discontinue this week the steamer service between Dargaville and Helensville \*hich has been in vogue since the first settlers came to the district.

For Pouto and the settlements immediately west as far as Tangaihi there is at present no alternative service. A considerable portion of the road which connects with Dargaville is of clay, its formation having been recently completed. After a fine spell vehicles might get through. For the next six weeks traffic is problematical. A population of 150 is served from Pouto. which is equi-distant from Dargaville and Helensville 35 miles. The settlers are endeavouring to find a launch owner willing to undertake the service.

The Ruawai, Raupo and Naumai districts are faced with a problem for, during the 28 years since the inception of the Ruawai Dairy Company .butter has been sent to Helensville by steamer, connecting with the railway to Auckland. The settlers have received supplies of manures and stores also by steamer.

The steamer Bellbird alone has been running since the railway service was opened last December. The railway now carries most of the goods for the Dargaville districts, including the Northern Wairoa Company’s 3500-ton butter output.—P.A