IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

Evening Star, Issue 21824, 13 September 1934, Page 3

IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

, OTAGO ASSOCIATION The monthly meeting of the executive of the Otago Importers and Shippers’ Association was held on Tuesday evening, when there were present—Messrs J. L. Gardiner (chairman), S. If. Aburn, A. De Beer, H. C. Campbell, A. W. Jeavons, J. E. Macassey, and J. C. H. Somerville. The first matter considered was the report of the secretary that, as instructed, he had interviewed all local importers of dates in regard to the new season’s supplies to arrive by direct steamer from Arabia via Australia towards the end of the year. They had unanimously asked that if possible the fruit should be available in Dunedin not later than the first week in December, so as to take full advantage of the Christmas demand. 'He had therefore written to the British India S.N. Company, London, asking that arrangements be made accordingly. The Secretary read a.letter from the head office of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, London, replying to that sent by the association relative to severe damage to certain cargo ex the m.v. Taranaki in May last, a claijn for which had been x - efused by the local agents of the vessel on the ground of her having extended her protest. The company stated that while disclaiming any actual liability, in view of the extraordinary conditions of heavy weather on the trip in question, at the same time in consideration of the arguments put forward by the association it was prepared to make an “ ex gratia ” payment amounting approximately to 50 per cent, of the claims submitted. —The •Chairman expressed the opinion that under all the circumstances the settlement was a very satisfactory one, and considered that the secretary was to be congratulated on the success of his efforts in the matter. —Those present heartily supported the chairman’s views. A further claim submitted by a member of the association to the agents of a coasting steamer for • pillage, and which had been repudiated, was dealt with. As it was considered that the vessel was undoubtedly liable and that consignees were determined to enforce payment, it necessary by appeal to the court, the secretary was instructed to give)' all assistance possible in the preparation of the case should legal action eventually be found necessary. Mention was made regarding the forthcoming visit to Dunedin of the now m.v. Waiwora, of the Shaw, Savill Line, on her maiden voyage to the dominion. In view of the fact that the vessel was up to date in every way, the association had been 'specially asked to support the suggestion that if possible she should be brought to Dunedin, so as to give shippers, especially of refrigerated and cool chamber cargo, an opportunity of inspecting her. It was resolved that the 'secretary write to the management of the _ company in Wellington concurring in the suggestion, especially as advice had been received from the bead office of the line in London that every effort would be made to bring the ship to Dunedin. The application of a local importer for membership was approved.