DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5678, 28 August 1905, Page 2

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

•WEST ENGLAND PORTS. DOCK ACCOADIODATION. Reporting on the direct steam sertloo from New Zealand to os t Coast of KngUtnd ports, the New Zealand Produce Commissioner says;—

During the year the service of steamtrs sailing direct from Non- Zealand to the west coast ports in this country has been commenced. Most of the merchants in the centres served by these ports are very strongly in favour of direct steamship service with New Zealand. The Chambers of Commerce there have been interesting themselves in the matter considerably, and substantial support has been (given by thorn to help the development of trade. It is to be hoped that now the service is commenced shippers in Now Zealand will take advantage of it, and send sufficient and regular consignments forward, so that the new trade they have been anxious to secure may bo thoroughly developed. Shippers ought not to be afraid of facing a probable loss at the outset. They must naturally expect considerable opposition by many of those engaged in trade here to defeat their purpose. Any initial loss that may bo sustained should bo locked upon as so much money,spent in advertising. It is, as business men are awaro, impossible to advertise and push any new enterprise without considerable initial cxoensc. Unless New Zealand shippers are prepared to light for themselves to secure the advantage which the west coast service may bring them, the development of trade through new channels in this country may be much retarded. As mignt be expected in the initiation of any now, large undertaking, the arrangements in connection with the service have not been altogether satisfactory, and complaints on many occasions have been made concerning them. With increased support and the growth of trade, however, many of the difficulties that have been noticeable probably will bo removed. The amount of dock accommodation at the west coast ports is very considerable, and when new docks now under construction are completed there will be enormous space. At Bristol extensive work is being carried on for the enlargement of the Avoniuouth Docks. There is largo-cold-storage now available, and additional accommodation tor refrigerated cargo is to be erected when the new dock is completed. At Cardiff, where the Bute Docks have now largo accommodation, an additional new basin is being provided. Not only is there at that port large coldstorage provided by the Cardiff Coldstorage Company, but the Bute Docks have also a splendid cold-store, which so far has not contained a single carcase. Meat can be discharged into' it direct from the ship which lies alongside, and railway trucks can be loaded from it under cover. There is only accommodation at present for thirty thousand carcases' in this store, but it can be increased at any Moment if necessary. At Barry, which, is near to Cardiff, there is also very extensive dockaccommodation, with, a cold-store capable of holding seventy thousand oaroases. Additional accommodation can also if required here he provided. In Manchester the dock-accommodation, which has hitherto been very considerable, is being largely increased, the, ground formerly occupied by the racecourse Having been taken over by the canal company, and excavated fof docks with warehouses. At this port - there are three large cold-air stores, having accommodation tor four hundred thou-! sand carcases. In Liverpool and Glasgow the accommodation, both dobk and cold-store, as has. repeatedly been reported by me, is fully ample for all j requirements.