WEST ENGLAND SERVICE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 14

WEST ENGLAND SERVICE

TRADE WITH MANCHESTER. NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE. On June 23rd last the chairman of the Manchester Ship Canal Company, Mr John H. Bythell,’ cabled to the Premier :—“ Pleased to inform you that Federal steamer Somerset has just discharged at Manchester the first consignment of New Zealand produce. Importers of meat, wool, and other produce request your assistance to secure direct West Coast service, including Manchester.” In a letter to the Premier by the last English mail, the chairman of the company, says:— “ Part of the cargo of the steamer in question, the Somerset, consisted of 5000 lambs from New Zealand, and I feel sure that you will he glad to hear that such a beginning has been made in this district, which hitherto has been mainly supplied with frozen meat by the Argentine Republic. “ I need scarcely repeat, what you have frequently heard before, that in and around Manchester there is an immense population of well-paid workpeople, who consume very large' quantities of the produce which New Zealand is desirous of shipping. “I am glad to report that the Federal Steam Navigation Company, Ltd., have now arranged that their homeward steamers from New Zealand shall include Manchester as a port of call. The time occupied on passage by the present

West Coast service of steamers is, however, a cause of dissatisfaction, to importers who are anxious for a direct service to Manchester and the other West Coast ports without calling at Australian or South African ports. “ I believe you are aware, and have had under your consideration the fact that a direct service from New Zealand to the West Coast, of England, including. Manchester, will probably lead to an important development in the trade between New Zealand and this district. If you should at any time B©e your way to assist the development of the service, you may rely upon everything possible being done to afford the very best possible dock accommodation and efficient handling of the cargo at Manchester. You would notice in the telegram that the importers are anxious for the direct service.

“In addition to the large accommodation previously existing, I may mention that a new large dock, equipped with every modern facility, at a cost of half a million sterling, exclusive of the cost of the land, rails, and roads has just been completed. Their Majesties King Edward VII. and Queen. Alexandra have graciously consented to visit Manchester for the purpose of opening the dock on the 13th proximo. “You have had personal experience of the splendid waterway from the sea to Manchester, for, as you will no doubt remember, I had the pleasure of conducting you and the Australian Premiers from Liverpool to Manchester over the ship canal in the year 1897, when you visited this country for the celebration of her late Majesty Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. •I have further to mention that in older to leave no stone unturned to develop direct trade between Australian colonies and Manchester, our London representative, Mr J. S. McOonechie, sailed from London in the s.s. Essex on the 9th inst., and will before he returns take the opportunity of calling upon you with letters of introduction. I feel sure that any assistance you can give him will he gladly rendered.”