IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3614, 19 June 1923, Page 6

IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS’ ASSOCIATION.

At the monthly meeting cf the executive of the Importers’ and shippers’ Association several letters were received from owners outside the lines represented at the conference, and whilst some were not able to entcit iin the idea of sending direct steamers from the United Kingdom to Dunedin, one firm in particular dealt very fully with tho matter, pointing out that, whilst there were certain obstacles at the present time, they could see no reason why these should not bo overcome. It was pointed out that the draught of most of their steamers, fully loaded, would enable them to make Dunedin first port without any trouble whatever. Messrs H. L. Taplev and Co. wrote stating that the Canadian Government Merchant Marine were prepared to put on a vessel to load at New Zealand ports for \ ancomer direct. Providing sufficient inducement could be secured, the vessel would load at Dunedin, and very probably make this her final j;ort of departure.—'l his information was received with much satisfaction, as it was pointed out that owing to the extra coastal freight from here to Auckland and the refusal of the- Government to insist that the mail steamers give a flat rate for tho four main centres, the South Island for years had been debarred from doing business with Vancouver, it was therefore hoped that shippers would take this into consideration, and, if possible, again endeavour to work lip a connection with Canadian ports. A communication was received irom a firm of shippers regarding chaff. It was pointed out that arrangements had been made with the I nion Company to carry some 4093 odd tons of chaff from Victoria to Auckland at 30s per ion, whilst the freight from South- Island ports to Auckland was 45s per ton.—Considerable surprise was expressed at this information, moro especially as it was the l nion Company which was carrying the chalf from Australia to Auckland. Ii was pointed out that: a continuance of th : s would mean a very serious handicap to farmers in the South Island, as the Auckland market in former years had been one of their chief means of disposing of their output. —It was decided to draw the attention of the Farmers" Union to this matter, and also of the Union Company asking for an explanation.