The Patea Mail. Established 1875. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1883. SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1086, 14 September 1883, Page 2

The Patea Mail. Established 1875. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1883. SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY.

The Wellington ment companies are beginning to take alarm at the prospect of their stock supply being snapped up by the superior enterprise of Auckland* The Post, of Tuesday last, has an nriicld ailvislng Wellington people to take precautionary measures against being cut out by the Northerners. It is pointed out that the success of the ment companies is dependent upon abundant and continuous supplies. And the sources of supply ate understood to include Hawkes Bay and the West Coast. There is a proposal by Auckland people to tap the former by establishing a number of “stations” between Napier and Auckland, so that slock can be rested at intervals on the journey and arrive at their destination in good condition. If carried out, this proposal may prove a serious drawback to the Wellington moat industry, as it would make Wellington dependent upon the south end of the island and the West Coast. It is no secret that the Wellington companies, or at least one of them, made “ cock-sure ” of securing the stock upon this Coast upon their own terms. It has been urged upon settlers in this district that it was no use forming a local company; that the Wellington ones were rich and could swamp any efforts made by settlers. While some people have been weak enough to swallow half that has been said in this direction we believe the bulk of the settlers see the object of the argument. It is plain enough in all conscience. The effort being made to “ quash ” the West Coast Company, if successful, would place the farmers at the mercy of the outside companies. They would be compelled to accept such prices and terms for their stock as were offered, and it stands to reason that these wonld be as low as possible in order to enable the buyers to make the largest possible profit. But if farmers find themselves in this position, they will be to blame for their own want of judgment and enterprise. The West Coast Company offers a chance that will never occur again to people on this Coast. Its establishment would enable stock owners to make all tli e profits themselves; to sell their meat in the best market' without the intervention of middlemen who absorb a considerable percentage of profit. We wonld strongly urge everybody who has the welfare of Hawera and Patea districts at heart to do what they can to assist in floating the local company. A very large portion of the capital has been subscribed, but to bo on the safe side more is needed yet. Settlers shonld dismiss from their minds the specious arguments and persuasions of those whose interest it is to crush local enterprise for the benefit of Wellington or Auckland people. We ask them to come forward and show their faith in the district and in themselves by taking up the unapplied for shares in the West Coast Company, whose prospects are as bright as those of any meat freezing company started in the Colony,