COUNTRY NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2277, 24 August 1908, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

NUHAKA NORTH.

[FROM Quit tIORREBI’ONDENT.]

On Tuesday last a meeting of settlers was held in the Thermal Springs Hotel, Morere. There was a good attendance, the various localities of the district being well represented. Mr. G. Ormond was voted to the chair.

The Chairman said he Understood tho meetings had been convened with the view of meeting Mr. Kelley, manager of the Richardson Shipping Company, and discussing tho subject of the recent increase of the shipping rates to Waikokopu. Mr. Kelley would state his case, and no doubt would bo happy to answer any questions oil the subject. Mr. Kelley stated that his directors bad recently found it necessary to go minutely into tho finances of the company, with the result that they found if they were to continue in the coast trade it would only bo possible to do so by making an all-round increase in coastal rates. In carefully considering the question, they concluded that their coast friends would prefer to pay a little extra rather than disorganise the present service, and it was accordingly decided to make a general increase as from the first of August. The necessity for this was the enormous increased cost of recent years of running steamers. Mr Kelley mentioned the many items that made up the increased cost, and stated that owing to the. additional cliar-; ge.s his company for the past five years had been unable to make proper jnovision for their marine insurance. The directors regretted having to increase the rates, but it.was either that or else the giving up of the coast •trade.

In answer to questions, the manager stated .that the difference in the shipping rates from Napier to Gisborne was because it was from wharf to wharf. Improvements effected at Waikokopu would not make any difference to the shipping charges unless there was a considerable increase in the cargo shipped. He would have their wool conveyed in time to catchthe local sales whenever the settlers wished, providing it was a full cargo. It was not a fact that cargo could b'e landed at Waikokopu in all weathers. When the roads were in a bad state, he would, if requested, land goods on the Opouta.ma Beach at Waikokopu rates, weather permitting. . After considerable discussion, it was decided that in the event of the settlers making arrangements witli another shipping company, ample notice to that effect should be given to Richardson and Company. .‘ • A vote of thanks to Mr. Kelley and to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.