A Wharf Not Wanted.

Settlers at Tahuna and Patetonga, who in the past had relied upon the river service for practically all their requirements, now find it cheaper to utilise the railway to Morrinsville and to have their goods taken by motor—lorry from there to their farms (says an exchange). This, they claim, is not only more convenient but cheaper than the river freights. They have, therefore, expressed a desire to forego the erection of a landing and shed on the bank of the Piako River, claiming that these facilities would be useless. A discussion on the matter took place at a meeting of ratepayers at Tahuna, when it was asked if the amount allotted for the wharf and shed could be diverted for other work. The river charges were only 1s. per ton cheaper on manure than the cost of transport by rail and lorry, but by the latter method the manure was delivered into the settler's shed. Mr. J. P. Jensen moved that the council be urged to take no further action with regard to the erection of the landing and shed. Mr. Whitechurch said he thought it would be a mistake not to go on with the wharf, as the money saved on road maintenance would pay the cost of the wharf shed.

This appeal, however, had no effect, and the motion was carried without dissent.

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