STEAMER SERVICES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 53, 27 March 1909, Page 2

STEAMER SERVICES.

I Til K IiUNNINC *E-ARPvANQED. The reduction in passenger rates ruling between Onehunga and New Plymouth is accompanied by several other changes. The Union Company has decided to withdraw one steamer from Ue Xew Plymouth-Onehunga service during *the winter months. The Kotoiti, on arrival at Wellington on 31st in-,1.. will he withdrawn for survey, the Takapuaa maintaining the service, leaving Onehunga on Fridays and Alondays, and proceeding to Wellington from New Plymonth on Tuesday. She will return here on Thursday, and proceed oil the ; same evening to Onehunga, doublin back to Onehunga from here on Saturdays. The service from Wellington to New Plymouth will be maintained by the Takitpuna on Wednesdays. After completion of the Kotoiti's survey she will replace tile Takapuna, There will be no steamer from New' Plymouth to unehnnga on Tuesdays.

We are given to understand that there will be no alteration in the Harawa's running for at least one month. ADDITIONAL STKAMKK SERVICE. In order to maintain the bi-weekly

service from Wellington it has heen arranged that the Koonva -shall in future proceed from Wellington t<> .New LJlymoulli every fortnight, making alternate weekly trips with the Corinna. For Mime time past merchants have been endeavouring to arrange a direct service from the Bluif. The new service will make provision for this, and we will now enjoy the benefit of a weekly cargo service from South Island ports. This will relieve the pressure on the Corinna every fortnight, and should prove a very satisfactory service. The Koonya will also provide a new cargo service from New Plymouth to Nelson, Westport and Crevmouth. This want | ha* been long felt, as inquiries were often made for a direct service from here to the West Coast for our dairy produce, bacon etc. L'ASSKMiER TAX.

Seeing that the two snipping companies interested have made substantial reductions in their steamer fares, il, is suggested that tile Harbor Board should favorably consider the question of reducing the passenger tax of 2s per head each journey (4s on return tickets) at present charged.

INCRKASK IN FKKIUHTS. It has been decided to mako an increase in freights from Wellington and Onehunga to New Plymouth. Hitherto the rate has been 10$ per ton, but in future this will be 12s (id, the same as charged between Wellington aiul Lyttelton.