The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1920. A UNITED TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1920. A UNITED TARANAKI.

It is gratifying to find that the old parochial spirit, the mutual distrust and petty jealousy which were only too prominent a feature of the Taranaki landscape, are giving way to frank understanding, active co-operation, and mutual dependence. In no other way can Taranaki make real progress or receive the consideration its merits and position warrant, and it is well that the fact is now being generally recognised by the leading men of the province. Recently they "got together," as our American friends weuld say, and formed a Progressive League, whose special mission is to concentrate upon and promote Taranaki's interests. From the interest dis- : played, and the response given financially, the League should have a long and useful life, if the executive remains alert and active, for scope for its activities there is in plenty. Now we see all parts pulling together iu connection with improving the train services and instituting a regular overseas service between England and Taranaki. The deputation from the New Plymouth Chamber which visited the other Taranaki Chambers the other day and spoke on these matters had' a very cordial reception, and the proposals they made have in eaeli ease been strongly supported. And very properly, too. The time has come when Taranaki must raise its united voice against the very inconvenient and inadequate train services that have done duty in the past, .and should demand services more in keeping with the importance of the province. The Railway Department recognise that the services are not all that can be desired, but franlclysayYou first of all agree amongst yourselves as to what you do want, and if your suggestions are practicable and reasonable we will give them favorable consideration." Now that the various chambers are at one mind on the matter they can put the position unitedly and forcibly before the General Manager of Railways when he visits the district, as he has promised to do shortly. We do not propose to deal with the proposed alterations to the time-table .just now. "We desire but to draw attention to the commendable spirit shown by the various chambers over the matter, and the influence that is apparent towards unifying and solidifying the province. This feeling is also apparent in connection with the shipping proposal. On all sides there is the keenest desire shown to assist in any way possible to establish the direct service without delay. There are. of course, difficulties in the way in making 4 a start, but Ihey can be, and will be, overcome. The important thing is for Taranaki importers as. ■ a whole to arrange for as much of their goods as possible to be sent by the service, and this they have all promised to do. The nextthing is to approach the shipping companies, who may at first have to take a little risk, on account of the difficulty of guaranteeing any specified amount of cargo, but. the risk should be worth taking, for it must quickly result in building up a large and lucrative .trade, for Taranaki, it must be borne in mind, is only in its infancy, and its requirements must rapidly increase as the present occupied land is made more productive, as it can, be, and the new country comes into profit. The deep-sea harbor at Moturoa necessarily must play a very important part in the province's development, and as its benefits are felt more, as they will in the near future, it will become an increasing factor in unifying the province. There is a-signifi-cant tiling taking place to-day at Moturoa, where lies one of the big Cunard liners, taking away a full load of meat and cheese from Taranaki. Barges from Waitara are emptying their valuable freights into one hold, whilst the work of iftfldiftg carcases and crates j^o-

ce'ods on the other side. Patea also brings its complement by sea. Could anything be more striking as to the interdependence of Taranaki and the necessity for all of us to work together and present a united front where our interests are concerned ? The circumstance also shows the need for the river porta of Taranaki as much as it does for the deep sea port that can give safe harborage to such large vessels as the Port Pirie. What is a novelty to-day will, we are certain, be a regular thing of the near future. The river ports will send their produce by boat to Moturoa, and take back with them phosphates and coal and goods direct from the Home liners. This "getting together" is good for all, for what benefits a part must benefit the whole. A united Taranaki can achieve anything, and we only hope that the very desirable change that has come about of late will long continue.