The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1908 THE UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2358, 26 November 1908, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1908 THE UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

It was quite natural that advantage should have been taken of the pleasant little function which took place on the Manuka yesterday not only to pay well-deserved compliments to the Union Steamship Company and its energetic local manager, but also to discuss the all-important question of harbor facilities. This is a topic that will always possess the liveliest interest for Gisborne folks, ior whatever may be the views of tho Harbor Board the need of an outer harbor is firmly ingrained in the public mind, -and no amount of sophistry or specious reasoning will convince the average citizen that the proposal should be abandoned. Ho may bo persuaded that the present time is not suitable to undertake such a project, or that- a particular scheme is impracticable,’ but to him that is merely putting off for a time a work that is bound to come sooner or later. That is an attitude with which we cannot help sympathising, for it- is inconceivable that tho Gisborne of the future will continue to be satisfied with the primitive methods of handling cargoes and passengers which exist to-day. At the suite time Air. doLautour did well, when proposing the toast of “The Harbor Board,” to emphasise the necessity for more effective work upon the channel that at present lias to carry our port traffic. The speaker was very emphatic that the people of the district look to the Board to keep the channel clear at a depth that will permit of vessels of medium draught using it without fear of trouble. Some members of the Board have objected to further expenditure upon ilte river oil the ground that this would postpone the harbor project, but we feel sure that Air. dcLautour accurately voiced the wishes of tho public, and especially of tho commercial section, in demanding that adequate plant should ho promptly obtained whereby the utmost use can bo made of the river entrance. He was equally correct in asserting that nothing that is done in this connection will at all delay the larger scheme which forms an everpresent- ideal to many. Even if the construction of an outer harbor were commenced to-morrow, it would be several years before it would be available for use, and in tho meantime the constantly increasing trade at the port would have to be provided for. Regarding the passenger service at present provided by tho Union Steamship and tho Huddart-Parker Companies, Mr. Preston, while pointing out the difficulties which face the companies. could not contend that Gisborne adequately served at tho present time. Unfortunately, if his fears .concerning the probable effect upon tilt' through traffic by the Alain Trunk railway prove to lie justified, we shall he still further removed from the attainment of a more frequent service. The limitation of traffic and intercourse with, the outside world to two days a week makes Gisborne'easily the most isolated town of any size in the Dominion, and that isolation is a serious and permanent handicap to the community from every point of view. If the effect of llio’expenditure of millions of public money upon tho Alain Trunk railway is to still more effectually isolate this district by making it unprofitable for the steamship companies to make frequent trips up and down this coast, then our sbaro dn providing tho wherewithal would seem to constitute a particularly bad bargain. If wo cannot seek for better communication by sea, tlie only alternative is to commence a determined agitation for a railway to Napier, and in this wo could depend upon tho hearty support of our Southern friends. These remarks nro not made in any sense of hostility to tlio Union ' Company, which is probably quite prepared to- make reasonable provision for the trade of the East Coast, but as Air. Preston frankly assured liis hearers yesterday the company is not a philanthropic institution, and—he might have added—it is not likely to incur the heavier outlay of a more frequent service so. long as it can ho avoided. In other words, so long as the steamship companies arc free from .railway competition, so long will Gisborne have to put up with a service that, would not be tolerated in. other parts.

AVo are glad to be able to congratulate tho Union Company, upon its accession to new premises, for it is an organisation of which the people of tho Dominion have a right to bo proud. As a well-managed business concern if- verjp high, place in

the maritime, world, and the remarkable growth it has made since its inception, and tire exceptional pro grcssivcncss of its management, entitle it to the success that seem to attend its very extensive operations. Locally the company has been exceedingly fortunate in being represented by a gentleman who has spared no pains to do all in liis power to conserve the interests and convenience ol tho travelling public, and tlie encomiums passed .upon Air. Preston yesterday were thoroughly deserved.