FIRST PORT OF CALL

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1932, Page 9

FIRST PORT OF CALL

WELLINGTON'S INTERESTS

BUSINESS MEN'S INQUIRY

"We should be glad to know whether you would think it advisable to make some representation to tho shipping companies on" the subject of direct sailings to Wellington," wrote a Wellington business firm to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. "We understand that during the month of February the. Euahine leaves England direct for -Auckland, tho Orari leaves Liverpool direct for Auckland, and tho lonic leaves London direct for Auckland. If our information is correct, this means that there is no direct sailing to Wellington during February. We do feel that it is very hard on people like ourselves, who have chosen Wellington as a centre of operations, to find that this state of affairs exists. At the same time there may be somo explanation. "^ Mr. John Myers said, at a meeting of tho council of tho chamber last evening, that ho thought the first arrivals of steamers were fairly divided between Wellington and Auckland, and ho was of opinion that last month the majority of boats came direct first to Wellington. He did not think Wellington had much to complain of. ; Captain S. Holm expressed the opinion that tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce lost an opportunity when a suggestion was made by chambers of commerce in the South Island with resppct to Wellington as a first port of call. One shipping company at least had made it a rule that Auckland should bo a_Jirst port of call for all its vessels. He thought tho Wellington Chamber should move hi this matter. He did not want to bo parochial, and being interested, in one phaso of shipX)ing he felt handicapped in saying much about the matter. Wellington should, lie thought, consider itself in relation to the interests of Waiiganui, New Plymouth, and Napier, as well as the South Island. Auckland properly considered its own interests. He did not wish to raise a question as between the interests of Wellington and Auckland. I" his judgment, the Wellington Chamber was not doing its duty, as he had indicated, to its related ports, and to tho South Island in not taking action. Mz-. D., J. McGowan suggested that the question, was of such importance as to justify referring it to the Transport Committee for consideration and report, especially in regard to the ports of call Ln the past.twelve months.

Mr. A. J. Curtis alluded to the advantages of Wellington's central position and other advantages as a first port of call. The question must, however, be considered of the cargo coining to smaller ports. ' That raised the question of the transhipment of cargo. Ho thought an effort should be made to boost AVellington in respect to its advantages as a port of call.

The president (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood) thought the point raised by Captain Holm was of importance to tho community, and vitally affected tho commercial interests of the greater part of New Zealand. It was apparent, oi course, that by going to Auckland first the steamers, got other ports in a line, and that miglitbe a little less costly to the shipping companies. On the :other .hand, shipping companies had to consider their clieiits, just as other organisations had to do. ■ ■ ■ '

The question was referred to the Transport and Importers' Committee, for inquiry and report.