THE COASTAL TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 263, 29 March 1913, Page 7

THE COASTAL TRADE.

j ;NEW PLYMOUTH'S OPPORTUNITY. At the first business meeting of the Opunake Harbor Board on Wednesday (reports the Hawera Star), the chairman remarked that members of the Board were not elected altogether for the honor of the position, nor for any emoluments they were likely to get out of it. They were elected to do what they could to forward the interests of the harbor and of the district, and they should immediately put themselves in the position of being able to accomplish that. But they could not work satisfactorily under existing conditions in regard to the Jotty Company, and it was necessary that some arrangement should he come to witli that company when their lease expired in January <of next year. It could not be expected that the Jetty Company would make improvements necessary to cope with the increasing trade of the port under the circumstances, nor could the Board do so. Now was a very opportune time for the Board to take action, because it was possible that they could very largely increase the trade of the port. In order to secure a good steamer service the port must be in a position to 611'er back cargoes —imports were not everything; they must look to their exports as well. This was essential not only to secure a good steamship service, but to secure reduced rates. North, of Opunake the farmers were in a, very awkward position. The Taraniiki' County j Council was curtailing road traffic very , considerably; so much so that farmer* up that way were now anxious to assist the development of the port of Opunake in every way possible, and to make arrangements to have their cheese shipped there if possible. Mr. Tfughson said the Board must first of all formulate some scheme demonstrating to the dairy companies that their produce could be satisfactorily handled at Opunake. Thev could not be exnocted to send their cheese or any otlier perishable produce through the port of Opunake without first of all having an assurance that it would be sati-fai-iorilv handled. Mr. 'Moore: Could the ehnirman siv' what form the suggested assistance from the dairy companies would ta-kc? The chairman: 1 don't go much on iu'nrsa*-, but one gentleman told me thai f thej r were prepared to erect a shed for j storing cheese at the jetty.

Mr. Lnmbie: A cool store? Tim chairman: I understand that .1 pool stove is not necessary. Mr. Moore: Mr. Caddie contends tint n cool si ore is necessary. If this is so it, might lie possible to have a grader appointed later on. Mr. Lambie considered that this would be of no avail until they had a harbor for shipping in all weathers. This was essential for cheese-exporting. At present the weather reaulated the shipping, and that difficulty had first of all to be f.vevcome. Mr. Ilnghson moved that a committee, consisting of the chairman, Messrs MrMeKeown, Moore and the mover be a committee to consult with the Jetty Company and report to next meeting of the Hoard. —Carried. Mr. Moore pointed out that under the Harbor Hoards Act of 1910 harbor boards, had power to erect cool stores, etc. This being so. and if the dairy companies were iircparcd to finance the undertaking and take the risks, the Hoard should do its utmost to further the project. The chairman remarked that the dairy companies would enter into the undertaking as soon as the Board had a definite proposal which would ensure regular uhhmients and safe handling. Mr. Lanibie though the storage question a little premature. It was true the dairy companies would be willing to ship at Opunake if the conditions were suitable. At the present time the risks were too great, and so far the Board had no proposals to eliminate those, risks. When boats could work the port under all weather conditions it would

j pay the dairy companies handsomely to I ship their produce at Opunake, but theywould not take the risk under present i conditions. Mr. Moore moved that a committee, consisting of Messrs McKeown, Hnghsoa and the chairman interview the several dairy factory companies with regard to. the erection of receiving stores for dairyproduce and report "at next meeting.— Carried. The. chairman said it seemed to him that if the New Plymouth people would keep a steamer for this service it woulcfc be advantageous to them and to Opunake. They were but three hours' sail away and could work at all time. Sea. freight would be a lot cheaper than road. cartage, and they should be keen to> collect the cheese. Mr. Moore said exactly the same condition applied to Pa tea. ' That port was in a very unsatisfactory position at present, and the dairy factories, who practically owned the' boats, had sufficient influence to. send those boats to Opunage in place of Pa tea if the conditions warranted it. Mr. Hughson remarked that either Patea or New Plymouth meant two. freights. What they must aim at was; direct shipment to some port like Wellington. The chairman pointed out that that would necessarily be some time yet. Before any company could be expected' to send boats from Wellington theharbor would require to be safe enough; to shelter them. The chairman mentioned that the approaching visit of. the Premier would: be a good opportunity to bring before him any matters members might have' in their minds.

Mr. Hughson said an effort should be 1 made to conclude some arrangement, whereby the native leases in the localities of Oka to, Pinigareiiu and Rahotu might be converted into freeholds. If this were done on some, equitable basisit would greatly facilitate the authorisimi' of a rate if suck were ever contemplated. Mr. Moore brought up the question of one or two reserve, which had been withheld from the Board. It was ultimalelv decided that MessrsMoore, l.ambie and the chairman be a committee to bring these matters under the Premier's notice.