The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.) SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1875.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 241, 23 January 1875, Page 2

The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1875.

‘ We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We shall defer to no man justice or right.”

We are glad to see that a section of the Press at the Head Quarters of the Auckland Steam Packet Company, has taken up the question of the late overcrowding of the Pretty Jane, although in a very mild form ; but it may cause attention to be turned towards another phase of the circumstances under which that Company is running its boats up and down ■ this coast — two out of three being subsidized from Colonial and Provincial funds. The A.S.P. Co. has a monopoly of the carrying and passenger traffic of the East Coast between Auckland and Napier of the worst and most - objectionable kind—a monopoly, the offshoots of which are indifference and neglect, and the resnlt of the past voyage, of the Pretty Jane from Auckland with some 69 passengers on board, is as perfect an illustration of it as can be given. We are not at all insensible of the disadvantages under which that boat, particularly, has been running, especially on entering our river in the face of continued damages and mishaps that have befallen her through the presence of obstructions in the inner harbour ; indeed, we give the manager great credit for so pluckily risking repetitions o£ these accidents, and for not detaining the steamer outside the river each trip. We would-even go so far as to endeavour to forget the non-fulfilment of the promises made by the manager when the Pretty Jane was first put on the line; but still, we cannot but be mindful that much might be done towards increasing the facilities that have hitherto existed for extending both the commerce and passenger trade between this port and Auckland.

We do not stop now to enquire into the facts of passenger overcrowding. The Government very properly, have, we learn, taken the matter in hand, and did they want an argument to sustain reproof of the prevailing habit of risking possibilities at sea, the lamentable fate of near 500 human beings in the Cospatrick, by fire and water, furnishes a most complete one. Our object is to shew that, although the A.S.P. Co. holds the monopoly of the trade it is unmindful alike of its best interests and that of its customers. We allude more particularly to the other two boats belonging to the Company, the Star of the South and the Southern Cross. These boats persistently run past this port on to the southern provinces without calling. And wherefore ? We have it on good authority that a detour from the course to Napier, would not take more than two hours off the journey; and surely such a trifling obligation, as far as the expense is concerned, would more than repay itself in the trade it would extend. Thus: We will suppose the Pretty Jane is on her road from this to Auckland, and either of the other boats is leaving that port for the South, would the Company not be gainers by allowing it to call in here to drop mails and passengers ? Cargo, we will allow, is out of the question, because it is only.proper that the subsidized boat should bear the brunt of detention. Such a plan would, we maintain, materially influence the Company’s prospects as well as be a great boon to the two ports ; for it would give us passengers and advices some days, more or less, sooner, than if waiting entirely, as we do now, for the return of the one and only boat. Again, what is there iu the argument that it would diminish the earnings of the boat set apart for the purpose ? The proceeds of an intermittent or subsidiary visit go into the coffers of the same firm, with an increased profit; and that, we take it, is a distinction with a very pleasant difference. We have alluded only to the southward trip because, until lately, the stock trade North prohibited the argument being brought to bear in that direction; but now that objection is removed. We are aware, also, that the Custom House is set up as a plea against entertaining our proposal. But, if we understand correctly, the necessity for entering and clearing can be dispensed with under certain circumstances, and, if so, two hours would amply suffice for detention. As far the Star’s contract is concerned, we are aware that she is to fill up her time, saved from the Fiji service, by running down south ; well

then, it seems to be short-sighted policy that she should pass this part of the coast where there is no competition, and where the carrying trade is notably deficient, to compete with that part of the Colony where not only inter - provincial, but inter - colonial boats are already enough for the trade. And, even allowing for argument’s sake that the extra call would be a profitless one to the Colony as far as direct, and immediate, money returns are concerned, the desire to foster the trade would popularize the Company, and induce those who now complain to pass unnoticed many of the lamentable shortcomings for which it is so conspicuous. The only two things that can be said in favor of the Pretty Jane are that she is of sufficient light draught to come into the river, and that she is commanded by a seaman whose wholesome geniality, and proverbial kindness and attention to passengers, go a great way to. make them forget the miseries and disappointments that the Company lay in store for them.