THE ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 290, 1 September 1908, Page 9

THE ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

DIRECT SERVICE TO WELLINGTON ASKED FOR. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DuneUin, August 31. A doputatitfn from tho Fruitbrokers' Association waited on tho general manager of tho Union Steam Ship Company to-day, in connection ivith tho Island fruit trade, 'l'ho deputation suggested that a faster and better servico from Raratoiiga to Wellington bo established. It was stated that under tho present service considerable delay was caused owing to tho transhipment of fruit at Auckland. In some cases tho Island steamer missed tho connecting boat at Auckland, with tho result that fruit for tho south was delayed four or. five days. Tho deputation asked for direct service from Raratonga o Wellington, tho sccoml steamer leaving tho Islands ten days after tho boat for Auckland. Mr. Holdsworlh said tho company could not meet the wishes of the trado. It hail already improved the service to a great extent. Every effort would ho made to cnsuro tho boat for the south being caught at Auckland. If the Government could bo induced to subsidise a direct service to Wellington the matter would bo worth tho coin-. ;j : consideration. Ti._ deputation also referred to tho pilfering ot fruit in transit, and suggested that' tho company should compensate consignees for losses sustained in this way, and mako strong efforts to s'toji pillage. Mr. Holdsworth said tho company would do all possiblo to stop pillaging. Tho bulk of tho fruit was carriod'on deck at shipper's risk; and the company could not recognise responsibility.