IMPORTANT MEETING RE RAILWAY AND SHIPPING MATTERS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 549, 4 February 1878, Page 2

IMPORTANT MEETING RE RAILWAY AND SHIPPING MATTERS.

A large number of influential citizens and settlers met at the Mechanics' Institute to-day, to discuss railway and shipping matters, and the necessity for more 'racks to keep p.ioe v.ith the traffic of the district. His Worship the Mayor was voted to the chair. Amongst those present we noticed the following gentlemen : Messrs. Aitchison, W. Aitken, H. Aitken, Dunlop, Fleming, Snmpter, Moore, Evans, Galbraitli, W. Bee, Gibbs, Headland, Christie, I£urr, JJecllpy, Conriell, O'Meagher, Young, Hay, phurch, Humphries, Maude, Brown, Ronayne, Longford, J. Re id (Elderslie)", Lane,' Craig, Lemon, T. Y. Duncan, W. Meek, Mirams, Hutchinson. Smith, Pride ; Spence, Mackintosh, ilcNab, Beach, an : d Jiontjey. The .Chairman explained that the jnatter under consideration was one in which everybody should, take a 4eep interest. The traffic manager (i\tr. Smith} liad jn deference to the wishes of a deputation appointed at last meeting, j-reimrofl a statement of the traffic, and the number of tinickc likely to be required to meet the demands of tue but unfortunately "j.-e'd-tape' rendered 'it necessity that lie should agk Mr. Jjawson }or permission to aftord such information. 1 hatgentleman had not yet replied.

It was proposed by Mr. Sumpter, and seconded by Mr. Maude, " That, owing to the scarcity of trucks, much loss and inconvenience has been experienced both by merchants, shippers, and producers, .and the business of the Port of Oamaru has been and is still greatly retarded ; while the demands of the grain traffic will be this year immensely increased, it is therefore urgently necessary that a large number of additional trucks be at once piovided for the use of the lines converging in Oamaru, and that a certain number bo specially allocated to the line between the Station and Breakwater." The mover would endeavour clearly to point out the reasons brought about the meeting of to-day. The merchants were suffering very considerable inconvenience and loss from scarcity of railway trucks ; indeed there were few gentlemen present who had not some grievance from the same cause. The matter had been talked over for some time past, but no decided action had been taken till now, as they scarcely knew what steps to take to obviate the dilliultios of which they complained. It was thought by all concerned that a meeting should be called at which all who had grievances could relate them with the object of obtaining a remedy. Speaking for himself, he had often to keep a large number of men idle for want of tracks, a state of things which would not have occurred had there been a supply. One or two week's delay might seriously affect prices, and even cause loss, as the prices of grain were constantly fluctuating. Ho could adduce many instances in which expensive delays had occurred; but as statistics which he had read at the last meeting in proof of this had been published, it wonkl be unnecessary to again dwell upon that portion of the subjeot. The area of land under cultivation was larger than usual, and the harvest was good, and he could not see how grain could be got to the vessel's side. Fanners and others who had certain work to do discussed ways and means in good time and I prepared for it j but the evils of which he and others complained had continued for | a long period, and now they were just as far from the solution of the difficulty as ever. It was about time that measures were taken to prevent a repetition of the trouble. Here wero people to make trucks and money to pay for them ; and now that we had practical men in the Government to deal with, we might hope to have our wants attended to in future, The Harbor Board had always done its best to facilitate the exporting and importing of goods, hut without a sufficiency of trucks their labor was lost. Mr. Maude, in seconding tho foregoing resolution, said that ho would not occupy the time of the meeting liy saying anything with regard to tiie matter of grievances, which must be patent to everyone. Mr. Suinpter's motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Headland remarked that there was one tiling which demanded attention in connection with trucks, and that was that they were forwarded, for the purpose of being unloaded very irregularly. Mr. Ga'bi-aith had complained of this. Mr. Galbraith said that there were .18 trucks for him to unload this morning, and that trucks being rushed up in such numbers showed a want of management, Mr. Aitcliison thought that Mi\ Smith, the Traffic Manager, might have rcasoiy,? for what he had done. Mr. Shrimski said that, for the information of those who were not present at the last meeting, he would state that Mr, Smith was present, but as Mr, Smith, and not as the Traffic Manager, He could not give any information without permission as it might lose him his position. \|ir, Conn ell thought that the question of railway management had better be left out a\ prc.-si.-nt, and that tho meeting should*keep to the question of trucks. The Chairman said that he had given a little latitude to the gentlemen present, in order that those who were not at Friday's meeting might not become possessed of the idea that the resolutions to be submitted were all cut and dried. Mr. H. Aitken remarked that, he would like to say a few words. Trucks were frequently short on the Breakwater line, and lie thought they must have been sent up-country or elsewhere. It frequently occurred that there was an insufficient, number to do the work. There should be a certain number set apart for that line. He believed the officials had done the best they could with the appliances at their command. Mr. E.eid endorsed Mr. Aitken's remarks. He thought tluyt we should make the Port au aftraptive as possible. Efficiency could only bo attuned by appropriating a number of trucks for the special use of the Breakwater. "Whatever might be the difficulties suffered by those up country, it was most important that no delay should be experienced in loading and unloading vessels. Mi-. Fleming considered the matter of the number of trucks on the Breakwater line one to be dealt with by the Harbour Board, Mr. ,J. T. Evans said, that for the last nine or ten months his firm had been unable to send goods dirt et to the vessel, which had been a sou'-ce of very great, expense to them, and had greatly increased the costs. He read a statement which linmif-takeably proved his a.«serfi;>i) to j;e correct. thought that when the line was opened to Ngapara'they would he aide to convey goods direct from Ngapara to the ship's side. But difficulties and e.vpen«G h;vd increased, ftfld they had more to store. He w;ys stating fapts, which pressed very heavily on merchants. It was proposed by Mr. Dunlop, and seconded by Mr. T. H. Brown, "That pending the supply of the requisite number of trucks immediately so as to relieve pressure now felt, arrangements be made either by woW.ing flight and day, iu"pj;<ivided for in t!ie agreement with the Harboard,' with relays of men,' or in some other manner, to prevent delay in loading and discharging vessels : 'ancj th;ij-, the mfjitor of f}e3|iat : :;ii in shipping buginegh should be made tho first consideration of the department."—Carried. Mr. Brown, in seconding the resolution, thought it nniK.ci s.sary to s.-.y anything m, ( i'o than b ; --.vi paid. |jo thought that a sp.-o:al iniint.er of iruoUs should bo kept on the whi»-r line, Great loss and ijie« .imnionco wore expe- j ricnced by who had to do with i shipping. Yew little advantage accrued ; from that line in constqnence of the want of'i>lan£ ItepieHentations should be immediately made tp Government.

Mr. Fleming rose to take a farmer's view of the question. A great deal had been said about the Harbor Board trucks, Speaking from a farmer's point of view it was grossly monstrous to reserve trucks for the Breakwater line. What would bo done in case of a more than ordinary pressure of country traffic ? The passing of Mr. Dunlop's motion was the only tiling left for them to do now. Even if the construction of a number of trucks was commenced immediately, they could not be ready in time for the present season. The Government should put on night trucks. lie did not think there would be any greater pressure for trucks this season than there was last; but tho difficulty was great enough last year, and he therefore had much pleasure in supporting Sir. Dunlop's resolution. Mr. O'Meagher said that P2O trucks came down to Oamaru yesterday. Surely a portion of these could bo spared to meet, the present difficulty. The Chairman explained that tho trouble experienced in getting these trucks had been great. Tiiey had been collected from all quarters, and tho meeting might rest assured that they would not be allowed to remain here. Mr. Aitken said that Mr. Dunlop suggested that trucks should bo kept at worknight and day, and that Mr. Fleming objected to setting aside a certain number of trucks for the Breakwater. The only thing that could be done now was to face the making of the road to tho Breakwater. The lino would be opened to Dnnedin in a few months. By its means goods would be carried at 20s. per ton from Dnnedin to Oamaru, whilst a ton by sea would cost—for freight 155., Harbour Board charges 4s. (id., and railway charges 2s. The llarbourßoardand Municipal Council showed the construction of the Breakwater road in hand. Mr. Duncan thought it unfair, and that it would bo hard lines if he camo in from the country under a senso of tho difficulties of transporting his produce, and saw a number of trucks on tho Breakwater line doing nothing, and no vessels in tho bay. Mr. Aitcliison said it would bo an absnrdiiy. If necessary ho would not object, but nobobdy would like to seo their grain lying waiting for shipment for an unnecessarily long time, Mr, Sumpter explained the difficulties that the Harbor Hoard laboured under with reference to trucks. They should always have a good supply at hand in ease they might be required. Toinetinies vessels arrived in quick succession, and there was always a certain amount of work to do in connection with the steamers which were trading regularly- His resolution meant that the first thing was to get trucks and then allocate them. Mr. Evans said that at the meeting held on Saturday he had suggested certain alterations. If trucks could not be procured, and the railway department could not be induced to work overtime, to make up for the scarcity of trucks the Breakwater road should be opened. Mr. Shriiuski thought that tho meeting should confine itself to getting trucks. If they brought too much before a Minister ho would say, " Yes, yes," and the matter would end there. Mr. Fleming said what wy* wanted was trucks sufficient for t1,,.. use of the far-, mors and the I IHoard. Mr. Dun,lop thought that one half of the present difficulty had arisen from mismanagement. Mr. Council said that both trucks and management went hand in hand. It would matter little how many trucks there were, if they were not available through mismanagement. Why, if tho present difficulties arose partly from mismanagement, should they attempt to conceal the fact. It was only right that every circumstance connected with the subject should be argued now. Mr. Fleming said that there was^o^d l definite before the to prove thai there had been mismanagement. It, would b.u a pity to drag in innocent mop j hecausp the trouble of which they wore complaining might, have arisen from want of appliances. If Mr. Smith had done his best it would be very wrong to lay tho blame on his shoulders. Jt waa evident there was a lack of appliances, and everybody would agree that it would be a somewhat difficult task to do tho work of a double-furrow plough with a single one. Mr. Dunlop said that he, had no desire to act unjustly towards Mr. Smith ; but there was sad bungling somewhere. Mr. Maude said that ho could bear testimony to the truth of Mr. Dunlop's remarks. Trucks were usually greatly mixed up on the lino on fho Harbour Board block, and they had to bo moved by hand in order to get, at any particular truck or trucks. This was unnooossU'y, as it had been officially stated that they could be placed in position by the engine in a very short time. It was moved by Mr, Tteid, and seconded by Mr. Prydo, " 'That an appropriate estimate be made of tho quantities 6f grain and other produce to bp brought to Oamaru by the various lilies centreing in Oamaiu, and the Governnqjnt bo requested'to allocate a sufficient number of trucks to convey said produce, say within a period of U0 weeks, from March till July.; and that engines of sufficient power bo supplied to do the work."—Carried, The mover said that if there uciv not more trucks "t, '.!r„ oi (l\c farmers th,iu there were last year there would bo a great outcry. He had ascertained from the settlers of Ngapara that there would be 21,500 bushels of grain from that. (lis. trict alone during tho present harresi. This way taking iip-d consideration ft large ipuuher of settlers who would pro* hahly take their grain to the Ngapara .siding. Irrespective of stone, traffic, coal for threshing, fencing material, itc., this would take to convey to O unaru, allowing 20 weeks for transmit "f i»ud fiye fo;;<; r.>y, oaon trnolt, w.'i trucks one trip per (lay. This could not be done with the present engine resource's. He wnf) within' flic limit. Unless they yonltj obtain iio trucks per. d.t.y tney would hay.o to cart fch'c.r produce to Cjiiiniir.u. 'Mr. HJoore was surprised at ;v reuiavlv from Mr. Fleming that; there would not be a greater supply of grain this year tlinn last. From Waitaki North to Tiniarn the yield would be greatly in. excess of I that of last ye*^:. j 51 r. Duncan said that Mr. Fleming waq I nearer the mark than Mr, Moore, j It, was moved by Mr. Aitcliison, and I seconded by Mr. I'nde, "That tho accommodation provMcd on the Awamoko j and Waiareka branch 1 nes is eery iiißuffiI eient and unsatisfactory. s(Jdi .imial sidings being necessary, and aL fi p dfoims and

better for gowl3 and passengers at the different stopping places, and in some coses farther space for ilr.iys into the ditf'rpnt sidings."—Carried. Ft was proposed by Mr. J. T. Evans, seconded by Mr. Maude, "That it is necessary in order to place shippers or firm produce from outside stations on an e'tiiial footing with shippers of wool, to illo'w .1 "'"odueo being forwarded through t„ tin' breakwater at the usual mileage rate, the same as for w0..1, 111 place of h'-iviriir to pay the special charge of Is. .'id. per ton for transit over the Breakwater lino." —Carried. He thought that the shippers of produce should he on an coital footing with W ool-growers as regards mileage rates. Mr" Maude said, that if they were (fotniT into the whole question, he would second Mr. Evans' motion. He felt that jt was quite possible to go too far, and elicit nothing from the Minister appealed to hut "Yes, yes," as remarked by Mr. Shriinski; but the growers of grain should be allowed the same privileges as regarded carriage as wool-growers. [t was proposed by Mr. Council, " That it he a recommendation to the deputation to be appointed by this meeting to wait n[l the Hon. Mr. Lamach that an enquiry | )0 instituted into the management of the railways converging in Oamaru."—Carried. Thc mover said, that there were gentlemen present who were in possession of m»re facts than he had at his disposal. But he thought that a man should be in charge of the trucks on the Harbonr Board property. There was a good deal of truth in what Mr. Oalbraith had Mr. Smith was in the wrong. When he (Mr. C'onnell) had a grievance he generally said so. Mr. Smith had a mod many friends at last meeting, but that was attributable to that gentleman's presence. He had not so many friends to-day. He had no cause to complain of the treatment of Mr. Hay, whose name had been mentioned in connection with the present grievances. Mr. Peter Orr had a reaper which, from some unaccountable cause, was several days delayed at the railway station, Oaniaru. to the owner's great inconvenience. He was fflnd that Mr. Smith had friends. He did not think it possible for him to have any. ; Mr. Duncan thought that they should ir(t to the root of the matter. It was useless to commence with the twigs. Engines were not allowed to cross the Waitaki .Bridge, because one was said to have injured it. He dwelt on the difficulties that he had encountered in bavin? to ( procure an engine from Lyttelton. in consequence of not being allowed to take it across the Waitaki Bridge, by which he incurred a cost of nearly LoO. Mr. Smith was not to blame so much as Mr. Lawson, who, he believed, was :it the bottom of it all. Mr. Shrimski said that the Cnverrtnient had stopped the traffic over the ; bridge, and he had told them that they had no right to do so. The Government gave as their reason that they feared a 1 stoppage of railway traffic through engines breat - v . -Town »J\ the bridge. Mr. that he hail been served uuitiewhat similarly. Id was proposed by Ml". Shrimski, mid seconded by Mr. Headland. "That a deputation, consisting of the 3layor, C. (ialliraitfi. <i. Numpter, P. Aitohison, .Mm Iti-id, El. C.'i.nne'l. and the mover, ! he appointed to wait upon the Hon. Mr. L'lrnaeh without delay, to urge- upon him * that immediate relief be afforded." —Car- ' l'ird. , fr was proposed by Mr. Aitken, " That | this meeting urge on tho Harbour Board | " the necessity of making a dray road to the Breakwater."—Carried. a Mr. Shrimski thought that there was < no red tape about the present Govern-1 went. Mr. Lamach would, as a business j man. iop the necessity for trucks. r A vote of thanks hr the Chairman con- I L'lnded the proceedings.