SOUTHERN PACIFIC SHIPPING COMPANY

Evening Star, Issue 21092, 3 May 1932, Page 6

SOUTHERN PACIFIC SHIPPING COMPANY

SOUTH iSLAHD-AUSTRAUA TRADE MEETING AT PONT CBALMENS A public meeting convened by the Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr J. Watson) was held in the Municipal Building, Port Chalmers, _ yesterday afternoon in connection with the formation of the Southern Pacific Shipping Company of New Zealand Ltd. The mayor presided. Among those present were Messrs H. V. Johansen (promoter of the company), F. Reid, J. Boss Clarke (directors), and 'T, Ross (president of; the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce).: That considerable interest is being taken in the project was shown by • the fact that about a dozen prominent business people of Port Chalmers were also in attendance.

The Mayor said he had invited Port Chalmers residents to attend the meeting to hear what the promoters had* to say in regard to the organisation of the new shipping company. He thought the formation of the company would be for the good of the dominion, as it would not only absorb a number of unemployed, but would supply a long-felt want in providing a fast and regular, passenger and cargo service between South Island ports and Australia. Ha felt sure that such a service would assist the country out of its present difficulty. The new company would also mean a great help to the fishing industry, especially at Bluff and Port Chalmers. Indeed, there were many ways in which the new company would he of immense value to New Zealand. Mr Johansen said it was the intention of the new company to run a regular service between South Island ports, Sydney, <and Melbourne. The company’s connections would be very wide.: A large number of fine vessels had been offered, and the company held an option over two very suitable ships. These two \ r essels had been employed between Valparaiso and New York. Both were of 14,000 tons gross, 475 ft long, and the draught would permit of the ships coming to Dunedin. They would be able to dock at Port Chalmers with the greatest of ease. Each vessel was fitted out with every modern convenience for the comfort of passengers. The boats could, reach Dunedin in three weeks from the day they were taken oven, Mr Reid dealt at some length on the possibilities of the Pacific passenger trade and the necessity for inducing tourists to visit the South Island. The fish business from Bluff was very lucrative. There was no reason why this trade should not be increased, and the new company intended to cater fully for the carriage of such products. Statistics showed that there had been a gradual increase in the tourist. trade to New, Zealand, but the increase was not sufficient. It was anticipated that at least 15,000 tourists would come annually to New Zealand." By" means of the new shipping company it should he possible to attract a large percentage of the tourist traffic to the South Island, There had been deputations to the Go-, vernment in the past asking for assistance in the direction of catering for the South Island, but they could not expect to be spoon-fed by the Government all the time. The company should receive the backing of the people of the South Island. If properly supported and properly conducted there was no reason why the new enterprise should not.be successful. The company had been successful in jnaking substantial oversea connections for handling the tourist traffic. The Matson Line catered for tourists from America, but something was missing, as there was no provision, made for those tourists who' landed at Auckland to visit the South Island. The Southern Pacific Shipping Company intended to link up with overseas liners at Melbourne and bring tourists to the South Island. Personal contact had been made with people connected* with the shipping and tourist business in America, and the company intended to keep in personal touch with these people, and it was fully expected that the South Island would benefit in tho end. He ventured to predict that at the end of ten years no one who- did so would regret having extended support to the new venture.

Mr Boss said that while he could not commit the Chamber of Commerce in any way, the chamber was very sympathetic, and desired to see the reinstatement of the passenger service between Australia and South Island ports. The chamber wished, the new company every success.

Mr Watson said the object of the meeting was not only to take an interest in the company, but to assist it in every way. The reinstatement of the service between Australia and the South Island would be a great blessing, as the people had wanted a fast and regular service for many years. There were thousands of tourists from Australia who wanted to visit the South Island pleasure resorts, and the ’ company would open the gateway for these people. The reinstatement of the service was important To the people of Port Chalmers, as the ships would be docked and refitted there. The promoters were experienced men and knew their business. He felt confident the Southern Pacific Shipping Company, would be successful.