MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3898, 27 November 1928, Page 8

MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL.

DIRECT TRADE WITH MIDLANDS, ADVOCATED BY CAPTAIN WADE, Captain W. J. Wade, representative of the Manchester Ship Canal Company, has been visiting Dunedin on one of his periodical visits to the principal ports of the Dominion. Stating that his mission was to advocate the development of direct trade between the Dominion and the great industrial area in and around Manchester, Captain Wade said that with the completion of the Manchester Ship Canal about 30 years ago it was made possible for ocean-going steamers up to 15,000 tons dead weight carrying capacity to deliver and load cargo at Manchester docks—4o miles inland—in the heart of the most densely populated industrial area in the world. Over 12,000,000 people resident in the area could be served more economically via Manchester than any other port. This was proved by the fact that Manchester was the nearest deep-water port to all the most famous manufacturing centres in the North and Midlands, including Bradford, Leeds, Nottingham, .Sheffield and Birmingham. Captain Wade's previous experience includes that of general superintendent oi the Manchester Municipal Markets Department, a position which he held for over 15 years, and in that capacity he had supervision of the meat, produce and fruit markets, abattoirs, cold stores, imported fruit sale rooms, ete. From their magnitude and the volume of business transacted these undertakings rank next in importance to those of London. In addition he served for two years of the war period at the Ministry of Food as assistant director of cold storage and food transport, and later as a member of a committee appointed by the British Governipent to inquire into the administration of the London wholesale foods markets and the conditions affecting the marketing and distribution of food in and through London. ■ As a former officer and commander trading between British ports and Australia, Captain Wade is familiar with the conditions and methods of sea transport of all classes of produce, and this experience, combined with his knowledge of the conditions affecting marketing, transport, and distribution of refrigerated and other produce throughout Great Britain is placed at the disposal of producers, exporters, and others in the Dominion who are interested in the possibility of reducing distributing charges and of increasing direct trade with Manchester and its surrounding area. It is Captain Wade’s intention to deliver a short address, illustrated by films of the Manchester docks, markets, and fruit sale rooms, in one of the local picture houses early next week, by arrangement with the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce.