Handling Cargoes

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 39, 16 February 1938, Page 9

Handling Cargoes

COSTS IN DOMINION. MISGIVINGS IN ENGLAND. That the present cost of handling argoes at New Zealand ports is viewed *ith misgiving was an impression gained by Sir James Gnnson during hi 9 visit to England, from which he returned on Saturday. Sir James said thjrt the shipping companies interested in the New Zealand trade were giving considerable attention to the subject; it was of considerable value to them and of course of great importance to the Dominion. They required the most practical assistance from shippers and importers, and particularly, the full co-operation of tho port authorities of the Dominion. It was felt that tho cost of working vessels at New Zealand ports was becoming alarming and out of all proportion to that ruling at ports in any other country.

New Zealand had good overseas car-»o services to-day. The maintenance of adequate passenger services both for the peace-time expanding volume of traffic and also for emergencies, was a matter of extreme importance; for however ocean air services might develop it was of vital importance to maintain and extend hipping connections which had been built up over many years. t?hips were in course of construction, and others would no doubt follow which would suitably provide for the increasing needs of the Dominion, Sir James Gunson added. But if New Zealand trade were to remain competitive, keeping costs within reasonable limits, it was necessary at all ports to provide good working conditions for the prompt despatch of all vessels.

Fireman (io chief): “D’you realise, boss, that we haven’t had a call since we got the new motor? Couldn’t we have a small ad. in the local paper or something?’’