THE DIRECT RIVER TRADE WITH THE MANUKAU.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1492, 26 January 1882, Page 2

THE DIRECT RIVER TRADE WITH THE MANUKAU.

The direct steam trade between Waikato River and Manukau Harbour is, we are glad to learn, quite equalling the moat sanguine expectations of its spirited projectors, the Waikato Steam Navigation Company. The old river steamer " Waikato" was fitted up a few months ago for the purpose. She has now made six trips to and from, and although far from being well adapted to the requirements of the trade, she has been, in a measure, coining money. We heard it said she is clearing not less than £150 per month, and, writes our informant, "I can quite believe the estimate is not by any means wide of the mark." That success is being achieved in the face of untoward circumstances — at all events, circumstances, time and enterprise, are bound to obviate. We have already hinted the "Waikato" is not by any means well adapted for the trade. Her carrying capacity is too small, and her draught of water too great for the river. The result is she has to tranship a large proportion of her cargo to and from the river steamer Rangiriri at the Heads, instead of taking it on direct to Ngarua* wahia, and bringing back her outgoing freight direct from the coal mines. Her outward bound cargo is composed almost exclusively of coal. She delivers it at Onehunga two shillings per ton cheaper than any other coal in the market, and on these conditions her owners are able to get quit of far more than they can possibly supply. Indeed, jt is estimated, 150 or 200 tons per week, could find a ready market. Another encouraging feature, developed by the trade, is the estimation in which the Waikato coal is held for steam purposes. Hitherto some doubt existed, as to its steam generating properties. Now, that the Manukau steam vessels can get it at a cheap rate brought alongside their bunkers, if they could only get enough of it, they would use nothing else. On the other hand it is to be noted, that a considerable moiety at least of the Waikato carrying trade is finding its destination by this route. In this, the railway would do well to look- to its laurels,: and see that its time-tables and' tariffs are ad* justed in accordance with the require* j* ments of the trade. Unless that bo doneffr the railway authorities will find, to thei^tcost, a formidable rival has sprung up in the sea going' traded • In token of that fact, we^may say that, we have if on the very best authority, a steamer capable of carrying 150 tons dead weight, adapted to the navigation' of the river, would find remunerative employment at thig rate of two trips, each way, per week. -

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