THE DELAY IN SHIPPING FRUIT.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12461, 26 March 1906, Page 8

THE DELAY IN SHIPPING FRUIT.

«■ fePICIAL TO •THK FKESS.'T WELLINGTON, March 24. The Hon. C. H. Mills, when in Auckland the other day, met the mercliants of that city «nd discussed the question of improved steamer «\rvico between the Islands and the southern part of the colony. He was also present on the arrival of the Toviuni with fruit, end was able, from personal observation, to confirm what has been said nlwut fruit for Christchurch end Dunedin not being forwarded on from Auckland until after a delay of three dnyd at the northern port. On this aspect of tho matter the "Times" has an extract from a Christchurch firm's letter, dated 20th inst.. to the effect that "Christchurch fruit has been in Auckland *mc© Wednesday till Saturday, and wo will probably pet it next "Wednesday afternoon, and it will be a wonder if it is not dead ripe, in which case there will be another loss to the shippers." . The Minister unfortunately found that owing to the engagement? of the ftoamer Countess of Ranfurly, it would be impossible to make the experiment •of direct shipments from the Islands to Wellington before July next, go that for four months longer, says tho '•Times," people must endure the inconvenience now wxfsting.