TRADE OF PORT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 77, 13 March 1934, Page 3

TRADE OF PORT

ALL-ROUND INCREASE COMPARISON Of RETURNS HIGHLY SATISFACTORY Increases in export tonnage were shown iu tho annual report of the chairman of the Napier Harbour Board, Mr T. M. Geiidis, which was presented at the annual meeting of the board yesterday morning. Over a million carcases of lamb constituted a record for the port, and there was double the tonnage of dairy produce exported last year, compared with tho total of two years ago. Other figures were considered to be highly satisfactory, in view of the difficulties which confronted the port after the earthquake. Relative to the general trade of the port during the past year, the report stated: "Statistics set out In the table given below show a comparison of import, export and shipping figures with the two previous years, and indicate that in consequence of a busy year the trade of the port has been fully maintained, a notable feature being the increase in the export of lamb, the total of over 1,000,000 carcases boIng a record for the port. Another noteworthy increase is shown in the export of dairy produce, which exceeded 5000 tons, being double the tonnage of two years ago and a big increase on the previous year’s figures. It is still, however, far short of the amount which should be handled at tho port of Hawke’s Bay. ‘‘Other figures are of a highly satis factory nature, considering the diffi culties with which the port has been confronted during the period since tho big earthquake, but if this position is to bo maintained and improved upon, it will be necessary to effect vast im provements in the receipt and despatch of tho trade of the province, and it is in order to bring about those urgent and much-needed improvements that the board has adopted a policy of development which will bo placed befofe the ratepayers of Hawke’s Bay at an early date. A comparison of tho import, export and shipping figures for the year ending September .'lO last with the previous years discloses tho follow ing position:— Imports, 1931-32 1932-33

Harbour Dept 11,998 13,381 “There is still considerable scope for improvement of these figures, particularly in regard to the export of fruit through Napier, and at the mo ment a trial shipment is being undertaken, and if it proves satisfactory I have every hope that it will be the beginning of a considerable trade from this quarter, which will mean a sub stantial saving to the apple and pear growers of the district. “Another matter of vital interest to the board and the primary producers of Hawke's Bay is tho development which has taken place recently in regard to the shipment of chilled beef from the Dominion. Successful experiments have been carried out, and there is every indication of tho establish ment of a regular chilled beef trade with the United Kingdom. Recent reports show that prime cattle required for the chilled beef, trade are being widely sought, and this demand has been reflected in prices on the various stock markets. Much will depend on tho progress made in the chilled beef trade, but already, we are informed, buyers are looking for suitable stock for rearing purposes, and there are hopeful prospects for the establishment of an important industry in this connection. “Unfortunately, so far as Hawke’s Bay is concerned, the facilities are not available at the port at present for the handling of chilled beef for export, and I therefore draw attention to the matter as an important phase of the harbour development proposals at present under consideration.”

Benzine, Kerosene 12,11)4 8,788 Cement and Lime .. 7,407 4.021 Coal and Coke 19,731 17,988 Coal (Govt.) .. 5,298 5,142 General Cargo 56,399 49,406 (AU above in tons.) Exports. Dairy Prod, (tons) 3,937 5,064 Beef (tons) 2,511 5,256 Glutton (car’ses) .. 545,021 395,552 Mutton (pieces) .. 2,313 1,782 Lamb (carcases') 867,466 1,001.112 Wool (bales 76,881 119,424 Wool (transhipped) 19,596 18,354 Shipping. Overseas (tons) 419,104 468,613 Coastal (tons) 133,757 107,287 Lighters (tons) 76,354 97,528 629,215 673,428 A few comparisons of revenue are:— 1931-32 1932-33 £ £ Imports 17,111 15,041 Exports 16,378 20,690 Berthage 3,881 3,557