COASTAL SHIPPING AT OAMARU

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28922, 16 June 1959, Page 12

COASTAL SHIPPING AT OAMARU

Regular Services

Wanted

“The Press” Special Service OAMARU, June 15.

Oamaru manufacturers are concerned at the irregularity of coastal shipping calls at the Port of Oamaru. The problem was discussed at a meeting of the North Otago branch of the Otago-Southland Manufacturers’ Association.

At one time a ship berthed, almost to the hour, every three weeks. Now, however, the waterfront might be neglected as a port of call foi' up to six or seven weeks. On odd occasions two ships berthed at Oamaru within one week, but manufacturers were not able to hold goods for a considerable period and then load two ships and send them away virtually one after the other, Mr F. L. Hitchens, managing-director of the Otago-Southland Manufacturers’ Association, said. North Island buyers would not stockpile under present conditions.

Some of the small manufacturing concerns at Oamaru produced goods of which there was no other kind made in New Zealand, said Mr Hitchens.

The biggest foundry in the South Island was situated in the area, and must have adequate cheap transport. If goods were to be railed to Timaru to be loaded there, then profit margins would become thin. The Manufacturers’ Association had been asked to examine the problem and discuss it with local shipping companies, Mr Hitchens said.