IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

Evening Star, Issue 18255, 20 April 1923, Page 4

IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

EAST COAST DELIVERIES. THE GREAT DELAYS. At the monthly meeting of the, Dunedin Importers and Shippers’ Association a letter was received from the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce in reply to the association's letter of 16th inst. dealing with the question of better attention being given to South Island ports by overseas companies, expressing the hope that a- conference would be called to discuss this allimportant matter. —It was resolved that the associations in Timam and Christchurch be written to, asking them when it would be convenient to attend a conference to be held in Dunedin. A further letter was received from the Harbor Board regarding the sorting and delivering of coastal cargo.—This was considered satisfactory. The Chamber of Commerce wrote regarding the proposed new declaration for acl valorem goods, in which the importer is to bo asked to make a declaration to the effect that the current domestic value as stated on the invoice is true and correct. —Several members spoke at length regarding this matter, painting out that it was not only unreasonable, but impossible for any importer to declare to any statement which he could not prove to be correct, and surprise was expressed at the department even suggesting that the importer should sign such a declaration.—lt was resolved to communicate with the various importers associations throughout the dominion, and also the comptroller regarding this matter. The Secretary reported having written to several owners of tonnage at Home regarding outward cargo to this port. A reply had been received from one firm, which stated that it would be very pleased to go fully" into this matter, and did not anticipate any difficulty in arriving at a satisfactory decision. The Secretary reported that on arrival of the Whangapo it was found that her cargo was being landed in a very unsatisfactory condition. Tire chairman immediately gave instructions for Captain Beaumont to make a survey of the vessel’s hold on behalf of the association and report. The result was that importers were able to substantiate their claims for damage done, and the claims were immediately paid. The association hopes within a reasonable time to be in a position to secure the 1 services of a permanent surveyor.

Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed at the time the Westmeath was on the coast. She reported in Auckland on March 12, and arrived here on April 11—thirty days after her arrival in Auckland.—lt was resolved that the owners of the vessel be written to, pointing out the great delay. A member of the association wrote complaining of the delay in the delivery of cargo shipped at Wellington for Dunedin by the Koromiko. This vessel was sent, to the Bluff before coming to this port, with the result that a great deal of inconvenience was caused'. A letter was received from a firm—members of the association —pointing out the enormous delay, which took place in the delivery of goods on the East Coast. They stated that several of their clients,in Auckland had stated that unless quicker delivery could be guaranteed they would be compelled to place their orders further north.—The secretary was instructed to communicate with the Union Company, drawing its attention to this matter, and asking when it was anticipated that Dunedin would have a quicker and more frequent service with the north. It was resolved to lend every assistance possible in order that a train might daily leave Dunedin fob, Invercargill at 8.30 a.m.—lt was stated that the present service—one clay at 8.30 and no further train till 5.15 the following .day—was very injurious to business between the two centres.

The question of the delivery of cargo ex the Mahia was also discussed, She reported in Auckland on April 4, and was not due in Dunedin until about the 24th. Goods ex Mahia shipped from Auckland arrived in Dunedin on the 12th inst., or twelve days before the vessel will land her Dunedin cargo.