CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 232, 10 March 1915, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE PORT riirLLIP. ' (To the Editor.) - Sir, —It is greatly to be regretted that this ship is not coming to our port, Reading between the lines one is inclined to think that the octopus ring of shipping plutocrats is using its mailed fist towards the port. During the strike efforts were made to get a liner here, but a shortage of coal was the excuse then. The producers and importers of this Dominion, and Taranaki in particular, will have to rise and cut loose t-liose tentacles that have fastened them tight, by removing this wreat shipping ring which undoubtedly exists. State-owned ships look to be the only remedy, but we shall never get them if those occupying the Treasury benches work hand in hand with all the big vested interests. I have watched carefully the members of Parliament who represent this province, but in no instance can I bring to mind any effort made by them to further the New Plymouth port as a calling place for ocean liners. I have correspondence latelyi with which, if it were not confidential. I could open the eves of some of our people as to how this port is getting hit below the belt. There are people who object to a union amongst workers, but who smile and applaud a union in shipping circles. —I am. etc., D.JjH.