THE PORT OF OTAGO

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 51

THE PORT OF OTAGO

VESSELS FROM OVERSEAS. As a result of the continual representation by local merchants, the majority of the overseas steamers which have called at the Port of Otago for some time past have berthed at Dunedin. For several reasons this is more satisfactory to importers, primarily owing to the fact that the cargoes are handled less, which minimises the risk of pillage, which, in these days of high-priced goods, is a very important consideration. The matter of berthing overseas vessels at. Dunedin has been taken up very strongly by the Otago Importers’ Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Otago Expansion League, the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association, the Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen’s Association, the Otago Harbour Board, and others, as it is recognised that it is for the good of Dunedin and of the province. Also, every vessel brought up to Dunedin means revenue for the Harbour Board, which it does not receive from vessels berthing at Port Chalmers. Importers are also making strong iepresentation to have direct services from London. West Coast of England ports, and New York. It will be remembered that years ago Dunedin had direct services, and that in those days local merchants were able to compete successfully with the rest of the dominion. Since those days Dunedin has been the last port of call, and consequently her opportunities for doing trade -with the north have gradually diminished year by year. It is believed, concluded Mr Campbell. that once direct trade services can be reinstated Dunedin’s trade will in a great measure resume its former state as facilities for shipping to northern ports increase.