CARGO LINERS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 301, 16 September 1930, Page 8

CARGO LINERS

Modern Motor-ships SWEDISH SERVICE Occasion Celebrated Marking the inauguration of the Transatlantic Steam Ship Company’s monthly service from the Pacific Coast of the United States to New Zealand, a luncheon attended by a number of business men and representatives of the Harbour Board, was given yesterday on board the Swedish motor ship Parrakoola, the second vessel of the line to visit Wellington in the new service. Mr. C. J. B. Norwood, vice-president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, in proposing the toast of the Transatlantic Steam Ship Company and Captain H. Carlssen, master of the Parrakoola, wished the new service every possible success. This very fine ship and her sisters, he said, would maintain a service that would link the Dominion with many parts of the world. He expressed the hope that the new service would prosper and grow to the mutual benefit of the company and of New Zealand.

In reply. Captain Carlssen said he hoped that the service would prosper, and that the Dominion would prosper too. He sketched briefly the history of his company, which had started a direct service from Sweden to South Africa over 25 years ago with two steamers. A year later more ships were added to the fleet, and the service was extended to Australia. Trade followed the flag, and to-day the company had a fleet of 30 ships. In addition to" its old-established services, the company was maintaining a round-the-world service from Sweden via the Panama Canal to the Pacific Coast and Australia, and it was now including New Zealand in the itinerary. They had been very well treated in Australia, and from his experience on this voyage, he felt sure that they could look forward to th. l same sympathy and kindness in New Zealand that they had received elsewhere. The Parrakoola and Mirrabooka were cargo ships of a higher speed that usual, and they carried a limited number of passengers. They were receiving good support, and their accommodation was usually fully booked. . The company’s ships, however, primarily catered for a fast freight service. Trade Prospects. In proposing the toast of “The Wellington Harbour Board,’’ Mr. J. T. Martin, Consul for Sweden, stressed the importance of that country as a customer for primary products. Sweden bought every year about 1,500,0001 b. of wool, but he could not say what proportion of that quantity was shipped by New Zealand through London. Sweden was also a large importer of apples, of which she took £150,000 worth annually. New Zealand apples reached the Swedish market through London, but no f.o.b. quotation for direct shipment could be got in the Dominion. New Zealand tallow was particularly suitable to the requirements of Sweden, which imported 4000 tons a year. In Wellington, said Mr. Martin, they had the finest harbour in New Zealand, and one of the best equipped in the Southern Hemisphere. He gave credit to the Harbour Hoard for its progressiveness and its forward looking to meet the requirements of trade. As time went on lie felt sure that overseas trade would become centralised more and more In Wellington, where shipping companies would find the best facilities for the handling of ships and cargoes. In replying, Sir. J. W. McEwan, chairman of the Harbour Board, said they were pleased to welcome such ships as the Parrakoola. More ships meant more trade, and he hoped that in the interests of the Transatlantic Company, as well as of Wellington, the new service would prosper. As far as port facilities were concerned, he was safe in saying that no other port south of the line was better equipped than Wellington. The board would continue its policy of giving all the help and facilities required bv ships. Mr. W. Wallis, in proposing the health of Captain Carlssen, said the establishment of a direct cargo service to and from Sweden would be welcomed, and it was to be hoped that shippers and consignees would realise the advantage of such a service, ' which would depend upon the payable nature of the freight offering. Captain Carlssen. in responding, said it was no. exaggeration to say that the port facilities of Wellington were the best south of the line. They were better, too, than those of a good many ports north of the line..