LOOKING FOR TRADE

Evening Post, Issue 122, 26 May 1933, Page 9

LOOKING FOR TRADE

BLUE' STAR LINE

LOWER FREIGHTS OFFERED

(Cy Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, May 25. Overtures were recently made by the Blue Star Line with a view to securing a share of the carriage of New Zealand produce at reduced rates of freight. Speaking to'a reporter today Mr. W. J. Poison (president of the Farmers' Union) stated that he had received the ■following cablegram from the directors of tho Blue Star Company:— "Trust you caa interest farmers in our application to participate in _ New Zealand shipping on the same conditions as other companies. Our line is_ agreeable to reduced outward and inward freights, including wool freights. Wo are prepared to consider suggestions for a farmers' representative on a local advisory board. Our long experience and established fleet of high-class vessels Would ensure rapid delivery of chilled beef exports." To this cablegram Mr. Poison replied as follows: — "New Zealand farmers are anxiou9 to secure a reduction of all freights. Suggest you forward the extent of your price reductions." ■ Mr. Poison said that the answer to his cablegram had been forwarded to him today from Wellington from the New Zealand representatives of the Blue Star Company. It stated that the proposed reductions in wool freights would be substantial. SEEKING NEW FIELDS. Mr. Poison added that the Blue Star Line, having found its operations reduced in the carriage of meat from the Argentine as a consequence of -the quota, was seeking new fields. If the announcement was correct that au important New Zealand line had passed under the control'of: a British Mercantile Trust, the desirability of a competitive line as another string to their bow ,was self-apparent. There had been no fall in wool freights for a long period, although substantial reductions had been made in meat. In convej'iug this, information, Mr. Poison said that he was not at all nervous of the fact that the Blue Star Line was controlled by Vestey and Co., and ho did not think opponents of trusts need be worried. After all shipping today was mostly trust-controlled, and in any case the control of the Meat/Board was adequate. Space would be allotted impartially and contract' conditions would require to be fulfilled. .They would be assured of freight reductions for some years; Moreover,- the reductions by the Blue Star Company would bring other companies into line, and induce sqme healthy competition.'This was entirely desirable, particularly as the Blue Star Lino was prepared to reduce freights both inward and outward, i Mr. Poison said that he had advised the Blue Star Line directors to get into immediate touch with the chairman of the Meat and Dairy Boards, who were at present in London. Personally he would not hesitate to recommend that the company be given consideration when new arrangements were made.