N.Z. Shipping Company.

Southland Times, Issue 14797, 14 November 1900, Page 4

N.Z. Shipping Company.

[By Telegraph.] Christchubch, Nov. 13,. At the annual meeting of the N.Z. Shipping Co. to-day the report of the London Board, recommended a dividend of 4 per cent. ; carrying forward £8303. Three twin screw steamers each capable of carrying 10,000 tons, or 100,000 carcases of mutton, will be added to the Company's fleet before the end of next year ; two of them will be available in January and February. The Company now has 16 steamers of a total register tonnage of 87,117, and valued at £969,810. Mr Murray-Aynsley, Chairman of the local Board, said they had been in communication with the N.Z. Government regarding a mail subsidy for the Vancouver line, but no prospect was held out of an adequate amount being given. Public opinion in Australia and Canada was, however, growing in favour of such a mail service. The Company's endeavours to open up direct trade to South Africa had met with little response from shippers. The steamers had to take part cargoes for London and shippers for that port objected to the lengthening of the voyage and the increased rates of insurance involved in calling at the Cape. The Company, however, recognise the importance of opening new markets and are prepared to assist in any reasonable manner. Messrs Anderson, Blair and Stead were re-elected directors.