THE GRAIN RATES, WAIKATO.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2455, 5 April 1888, Page 2

THE GRAIN RATES, WAIKATO.

A deputation of Waikato and Piako settlers, consisting of Messrs F. D. Rich, C. Gould, E. Allen, jiui., Jas. Taylor, J. Arnold, W. Caley, and J. Alwill, waited on the Hon. the Minister for Public Works on Tuesday morning. In the absence of Major Jackson, M. H.R., Mr j< , . Lawry introduped thp deputation, and briefly stated the nature of the business which they desired the Minister to consider, Mr E, Allen at some length pointed out the extremely low prices which are obtained for wheat and grain, and said that so apparently small a question as high or low freight would, under existing circumstances, largely influence the Waikato farmers in their cropping operations. He further stated that one of the mills in Waikato had closed, and consequently the one mill left could only manipulate a very small portion of the wheat grown, and this was the first year Waikato had grown wheat to any extent for export. Mr Allen thought the settlers might, if the. Government entertained the idea, charter special trains at reduced rates which cquld run at any j time to suit the department. In conclusion, ho thought the Government ought to he able to carry a truck of wheat at the same price as they charged for cattle, as there was infinitely more wear and tear with the latter. Mr Mitchelaon replied that ne would carefully look into the matter; and whilst he fully sympathised with the objeet sought he could give no definite promise as the Government were unwilling to tnijke any changes of the nature indicated, pending the appointment of the commissioners. If, however, a great delay ensued prior to their appointment the Government might take the exigencies of the case into consideration and deal with it ; but he would at his earliest possible convenience sen,'! the deputation a reply from Wellington. Jn reply to a further question, Mr Mitchelson though the time had arrived when Waikato should have similar concessions to tl;os,e which obtain in the South, viz., an export rato. In reply to Mr Alwill, the Minister thought that if the bags of wheat did not contain much over 4 bushels, or 2401 bs, the rate and si quarter ivoulcl not be enforced. At one time the Government earned ten bags to the ton, and it was found in aome places that the bags were

made to hold 3c\vt. hence the revenue was defrauded, and hence the additional impost to prevent fraud. ij lu reply to Mr Rich, the Minister said the whole question resolved itself into whether the railways were to be used as a means of revenue, or to create and foster the settlement of tho country. ,s Mr Rich thought the latter wos sc important as to be one of tho first consideray The deputation then thanked th , ) lion. ' gentleman ami withdrew.