RAPACIOUS AUCKLAND

Evening Star, Issue 14573, 23 May 1911, Page 8

RAPACIOUS AUCKLAND

[Special to the Star.] AUCKLAND, May 23. The attempt of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to obtain an accelerated service between Auckland and Sydney, resulting in a letter from the president (MiLeo. M. Myers) to Sir James Mills (managing director of tho company) on the subject, was responsible, it will be remembered, for a reply in general terms by Sir James Mills iv;' tha course of nu interview when passing through Auckland recently. But. he stated on that occasion that'time had been too short to enable tho consideration of a full reply to MiMyers, though such would be sent in duo course. Mr Myers has now received the answer from the company, which reads as follows: Dear sir,—With reference to your ccm-muni'-ation of 27th ult., which was acknowledged on receipt, I have to advise that, your letter was placed before my Board, who gave it their careful consideration. Your proposal that the voyage from Sydney to Auckland should be made in three days would requiro an average speed of eighteen knots, taking into consideration the difference in time. To secure this the vessel would require, to be designed for nineteen knots. The excess of a vtiot would barely make up for weather, indifferent coal, etc. The cost and running charges of such a steamer aie so far in excess of prosper., j tive earnings that it cannot, be entertained. I should point out that even with the high rate oi speed referred to ! the steamer could not undertake more running than is possible with a ver-sJ of the Maheno type. We recognise the importance, of the Auckland trade, and the general advantage it is to the community that steamers should arrive on the morning of the fourth day. Under the pie.sent timetable steamers should reach Auckhind on Sunday morning. With regard to the passenger traffic from Australia to Auckland in connection with the exhibition, we recognise the dutv that devolves upon tp, and you may rely that ample services will be afforded" io cater for whatever traffic offers.—l am. yours faithfully, C. lloldswoeth, General Manager. As a result of this letter Mr Myers has despatched the following further comnumieaiion to the general manager of the Union Company : Dear sir,—l beg to acknowledge receipt of yours of litti insl.. which will be placed before the Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce at their next meeting. 1 note that to do the distance between Sydney and Auckland in thiee days would" require an average speed of eighteen knots to be maintained, inking into consideration the difference in time, and would ■necessitate designing a ninetee n-knot boat. I regret to learn from you that the cost and running charges of such a steamer would be so far in excess of prospective earnings thai the suggestion cannot be entertained. "in reply, may I suggest that it would be possible to get over the financial difficulty by means of a subsidy from the Government, and the shortening of _ the journey between Australia, and New Zealand to thieedays would appear to many business men an object of cU'thVicnt importance to justify the gtalitkig of a leasonable amount. Would it not bo ;is well, then, if you would be good enough to give us your idear on this point? The Auckland 'Chamber of Commerce have no desire that Auckland or New Zealand should benefit at the expense of your company, which we recognise as a business concern that is managed in accordance with the highest commercial standards. Nor do the Chamber tl'-she that the city they represent should act selrishly'iri this matter. They are quite prepared to give every consideration to any claim that Wellington or any other New Zealand port may pos.-efs in regard to a fast Sydney connection. May I venture to ask if theie is any j possibility of your company replacing

the* present' Vancouver boats by newer voxels within the next, twelve month*;, ami putting the boats thus made available on to tho New- Zealand-Australian «jiviea, ami if so, wh.it time these, vessels would be likely to take between Sydney and Auckland? I am glad to note tliat you recognise the duty that will devolve upon your company in regard to the passenger trarlic between Australia and Auckland. In connection with the forthcoming exhibition. 1 am quite sure that you will make ample provision for entering for the traliic, and I feel convinced that you could not otfer a. greater inducement to travel to New Zealand than by putting on a. class of vessel that will do the nm in three days.—l am. etc., U:o. M. .Mvfks. President.