TEE PORT OF CALL QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8387, 15 October 1890, Page 5

TEE PORT OF CALL QUESTION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Tuesday. The Post this evening takes the Hon. Mr. Mitchelson severely to task for holding out n nv hope that Auckland could have a claim to be made the port of call for this service, and vouchsafes the following reasons why such a thing could not be :—" When bound for Auckland the coast is approached far north of the port, and it is somewhat difficult navigation down the coast line owing to the prevalence of fogs at certain seasons and other causes. Time is lost on this part of the run. Coming to Wellington vessels have a clear run until the len car row light is seen, and full speed can bo maintained the whole way. The prevailing winds are also more generally favourable for Wellington than for Auckland. At tho most the difference in time between Auckland and Wellington would be very slight, and would probably vary as between the two with tho season of the year. As to the continuation of tho voyage to Sydney, however, there is no question as between Wellington.and Auck - land. From Auckland the steamer lias to retrace her steps up the coast, to round the North Cape before sho heads for Sydney at all, while from Wellington her course lies direct through the Straits to her destination. What the company would save on tho trip between New Zealand and Australia would more than compensate for tho small quantity of extra coal which might possibly, according to Mr. Mitcholson's contention, be required to make as good tiino to Wellington as to Auckland from San Francisco." The writer ignores tho claims of the Pacifie Islands and all the rest of the world to any consideration except Wellington.