DIRECT SHIPPING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 290, 20 September 1935, Page 5

DIRECT SHIPPING

NEW ZEALAND AND JAPAN.

TO BE ESTABLISHED) NEXT YEAR-

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, September 19. A direct shipping service from Japan to New Zealand is to be established im May next year, according to advice received by the Agents for the Osaka Shosen Ka'isha Line. The first steamer is expected to leave Japan in May of next year, calling at Hong Kong, Manila, Rabaul, Noumea, Auckland, Wellington and" Dunedin. She will return to Japan via Cebu, Manila, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Kobe. It is possible that the vessels will include Java and Singapore as ports of call On the homeward voyage, although this patter is still . under consideration. Three modern and fast motor .vessels — Sydney Marti, Brisbane Maru and Melbourne Maru—at present engaged in the trade between Japan and the Dominion by way of Australian ports will continue in the new. service.

Although no definite information has been received, it is presumed that the ships will observe a monthly -service. All three vessels are fitted with refrigerating equipment and capable of a speed of more than 14 knots an hour. They will provide .a. splendid connection for - trade with Eastern ports and will also provide regular and direct deliveries from the East to local importers. The present New Zealand service via Australia, which only embraces Wellington and Auckland, is-to Ije extended, probably in November) to include Lyttelton apd Dunedin.' The fleet is manned entirely by Japanese. At present none of the .ships lias passenger accommodation. .

MANY PORTS OF CALL 7 TOKIO September 19. The Osaka Shosen Kaislia announced that the shipping service from Japan to New Zealand will call at Hong Kong, Manila, Rabaul, Noumea, Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Lyttelton. Returning via Wellington, Auckland, Cebu, Manila, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Japanese ports.