CARGO ON MAIL STEAMERS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 222, 18 September 1919, Page 7

CARGO ON MAIL STEAMERS.

SOUTH ISLAND DEPUTATION. OBJECTION TO COASTAL FREIGHTS. (Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. With the object of securing a revision of freight rates from South Island portto Vancouver and San Francisco on mail steamers, the Premier was interviewed by Southern members. It was explained that shippers from Auckland, in the case 'of Vancouver steamers, and from Wellington in the case of 'Frisco steamers, Vhad an advantage over the South Island shippers, as the latter had to pay coastal freights. Coastal freight from "Dunedin to Wellington or Auckland was the same as -prior to the war, and the deputation desired that Vancouver freight should T)e the same from all the principal ports in the Dominion. Possibly the Union Co. might expect an increase in subsidy, but the South Island people felt that, as they shared in the payment, they should get the same terms as Auckland shippers. Jlr. Hudson stated that Nelson fruitgrowers hoped to establish a big trade with North America, and they did not wish to be handicapped compared with Auckland shippers. Mr. Massey explained that the Vancouver and 'Frisco mail contracts had ■been temporarily extended, as the Government was unable to do anything this jsoason. He was glad to hear that Otago was able to find an outlet for its rabbits in the American market, as he had tried unsuccessfully to get space on insulated steamers for England. We should cultivate the Vancouver trade more than we had done, aa the Canadian people had a very friendly feeling for New Zealand, and wished to exchange products -which were available owing to difference in seasons. When the mail contracts were reconsidered the deputation's requests would be taken into account, and he hofJed something could be done.