IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

Evening Star, Issue 21716, 10 May 1934, Page 15

IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

MEETING OF ASSOCIATION The monthly meeting of the executive of the Otago Importers and Shippers’ Association was held on Tuesday evening. The chairman (Mr H. C. Campbell) presided. in regard to the correspondence that had taken place with the New Zealand Shipping Company in London and Wellington as to the undue delay to the Cambridge in landing her Dunedin cargo for Christmas trade, it was noted with satisfaction that the general manager of the company in New Zealand, who was now cn route to London, had promised to lay the views of the association not only in regard to the Cambridge, but also as to the general freight facilities afforded Jo local and South island importers, before the management in London. It was hoped that as an outcome improved arrangements might be afforded in the future. The Secretary detailed the representations made to the Minister of Customs in regard to a difficulty that had arisen in connection with the interests of a member of the association. Further correspondence with the New Zealand Importers’ Federation, Wellington, was dealt with, having reference to tho probable course of any reduction in the present exchange rate. In regard to the reinstatement of the Bluff-Melbourne service, it was decided that the suggestion of placing tho Maheno on the run did not adequately meet tho needs of such a service. However, as other local bodies interested were unitedly making representations to the company on.similar lines, it was decided that the association, while giving its cordial support to such a movement. would not take further direct action in the matter meantime. In respect to harbour and port charges as levied locally both on vessels and cargo, the Secretary (as requested at the last meeting) submitted a comparative statement of such expenses as between Auckland and Dunedin, which showed a decidedly cheaper basis on both vessels and their cargoes, particularly in respect to imports, in favour of the northern port; at the same time pointing out that the initial cost and permanent upkeep at *\uckland was from the nature of things decidedly in favour of that port as compared with the port of Otago. The question of Customs House facilities in Dunedin was mentioned, and it was decided to write to the comptroller asking for some indication as to the prospects of a more central office, which would greatly assist those engaged in the shipping activities of the port.