TRANS-PACIFIC TRADE

Otago Witness, Issue 3383, 15 January 1919, Page 7

TRANS-PACIFIC TRADE

EARLY RESUMPTION HOPED FOR. (Ffiou Oob Own Cobbxspondent.} AUCKLAND, January 10. The resumption of the running of direct cargo steamers from Canadian Atlantic ports to Australia and New Zealand is looked forward to by Auckland importers, a recent cablegram having stated that the Canadian Government was providing for the renewal of the subsidised steamers formerly operating in this trade. Mr W. A. Beddoe (Canadian Trade Commissioner) states that the steel steamer Middleham Castle, of 4534 tons, went on the loading berth at St. John's, New Brunswick, on December 30 to load for New Zealand ports, but so far he has received no advice that the Canadian Government has renewed the subsidy, and consequently he _ could not say whether this vessel was being subsidised. He mentioned that the contract under which the subsidy wa3 originally granted was drawn up in 1910, and provided for one cargo vessel per month, with clauses of a character definitely favourable to the promotion of inter-Imperial trade. Other clauses required contractors, who, in the case of vessels trading to New Zealand, were the New Zealand Shipping Company, to furnish a schedule of freight rates. These, when approved by the Minister for Trade and Commerce, could not be varied except with the Minister's consent. This contract expired early in 1913, and was renewed until the close 'of navigation in November, 1915. From that time until the cessation of hostilities there had been no renewal of the contract, owing to the shipping company being unable to guarantee ships for the trade. _ Mr Beddoe added that information was coming to hand thai Canadian manufacturers who had been engaged in the production of munitions during the war were now preparing to return to pre-war activities. Supplies of _ iron and steel products, hardware, barb wire, nails, textiles, pianos,

and other merchandise have not been available from Canada, but there was every hope that orders formerly incapable of fulfilment would now be taken in hand.