TRADE WITH THE PACIFIC ISLANDS. WHAT SYDNEY FIRMS ARE DOING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2355, 13 April 1899, Page 63

TRADE WITH THE PACIFIC ISLANDS. WHAT SYDNEY FIRMS ARE DOING.

The flag with the Scotch thistle upon it flying at the main of the steamer with the shepherd's plaid round the funnel is being carried into every region of tho Western Pacific under tho auspices of tho firm of Messrs Burns, Philp, and Co. New Guinea owes its opening up to much of that flag's owners— the New Hebrides likewise. Sydney and tho Solomon Islands havo been brought into touch, and the other day witnessed tho completion of the first voyage in what is now decided upon as a new three-monthly service from Sydney to the Gilbert and Union or Elhce groups, under British rule, and to Jaluit in the Marshall Islands. For not only have those hardy Scottish colours been carried to British possessions in the Pacifio (says the S.M. Herald), but to the Fronch in the New Hebrides and New Caledonia ami to the Germun dependencies in New Guinea, New Britain, the German Solomons, and now tho Marshall Islands.

When the pioneer steamer Titus arrived in harbour, there landed from her Mi J. Mitchell, manager of the islaad business of the important firm just mentioned, and in a short chat with a Herald reporter it n&a soon learnt fiat the voyage, whioh is described as eclipsing in boenery anything yet attempted in the Pacific, moans ono of EOGO mile? through tho loveliest of coral seas; that also it had been in every ssnse a great success, and finally that Now South Wales may count upon becoming tho headquarters of a substantial trade with thess grand islands. " Firat and foremost, let me say that we iutend to make our second voyage next week or at a very early date," eaid Mr Mitchell. "There is a Bplcndid field which has been hitherto worked by the German vessels from the Marshall Islands, and do you know that the fertile resources of the Eilica and Gilberts to a great extent have beon left, to the German company at Juluit to look after, the result being that the trade found its v/ay through German, hands to German ports at home,. Perhaps that is but natural, but upon the question of reciprocity in these matters I would like to say that we Britisher? Lave an uirtiill fight of H, %yen In our own islands, for Gorman veasels enjoy facilities for trading which are prohibited so far as vessels under the British flag are concerned."

"No worse than the French or the American policy, for the matter of that? "

" Well, no; and I suppose we must put up with it until the ' open door ' policy becomes universal. Our intention in the meantime is to bring- as much of the legitimate businees of theso islands to Sydney as possible, and with that object we left here on January 5 last. The run t< the Gilberts occupied 20 days. It was a magnificent trip. They lie right on the Equator and to the north of the line a little. You pass the Solomon Group on the way down from Sydney , or between the Solomons ;\nrl the Now Hebrides, aud traversing a sea like a lake eteer beyond the line up to tho. Marshall Archipelago. '' In the Gilberts we found that the southern portion had suffered from drought, and the while tiatlers wore rathei despondent for want of rain. Still we did a very good business in cupia aud othoi products.

" The Ellice Islands lie nearer to Sydney, and are a very fine group with splendid crops. We called at Funafuti, the coral-boring place, where we heard from the natives enthueiaslio accounts of the visit which Professor and Mrs David made. They will never *orget the kindness of Mrs David and tho Professor. The group extends foi fully 360 miles, covered by nine clusters of islands, eight of which are inhabited by a fino intelligent rare of natives, quiet, and peaceable. and physically much lcFembling tho Samoans and Tongans. Sophia Island, Nukulaelae, Funafuti, Nukufetau. Vaitupu, Nui, Niutao, or Lynn Island, Hudson Island, and Nanomea aro the principal places. It is ono of the most charming spots in the Pacific, and as in the Gilberts Iho influence of the missionaries, both Protestant and Catholic, is everywhere to be seen. There aro some beautiful mission stations throughout these fine islands, perfect paradises of places many of thorn. The British Resident. Mr Campbell, had just made his periodical official visit to the whole of the islands, and the beneficial effects of his labours amongst the natives is everywhere apparent. He enjoys alike the confidence and goodwill ol traders and natives. On our voyasre wo culled at Ocoan Island, an island thickly inhabited by natives, and but seldom called at by vessels from Sydney. " I should say that the only means hitherto of reaching these truly interesting spots from this port have been by the Pacific Maud ComEany's vessels, and by the barque Loongana, elonging to Messrs On, Chong, and Co."