The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1914. THE NEW GERMAN LINE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 44, 13 June 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1914. THE NEW GERMAN LINE.

Opinion among Auckland mere ban Os and others interested in the frosea meat trade was sought on the subject of the new direct line between Germany anl New Zealand, says the Star. Generally speaking, however, some reluctance was shown at expressing any definite remarks about tho project and the trade developing possibilities it contained, pending ihe receipt of more detailed news regarding the proposed service. It was pointed out by some of tho gentlemen interviewed that a good deal depended upon the conditions under which the service was being started. If a subsidy from the German Government had been obtained, then n could be taken for granted that it had the active sympathy of tho Gorman authorities, and it might bo assumed that, every facility would be afforded for the encouragement of shipment to German ports of New Zealand produce. Providing the prejudices of the pastoral factories on the Continent could be broken down, then a big alternative market might be developed, assisted by tho lower freights and less handling which a direct lino would afford. A large quantity of kauri gum. wool, and other Now Zealand produce also finds its way at present to Germany, and it was pointed out that tho direct steamer* wore bound to secure this trade. Ag to freight outwards, artificial manures hulk most largely i present among New Zealand imports from Germany, but merchants approached were somewhat reticent at hazarding an opinion whether a direct outward service would mean the transference of much custom from England to the Continental competitor. It was admitted that a very considerable amount of the “made in Germany” article finds its way to this country through British exporters,

and that the institution of a direct line may result iu German manufacturers getting into closer touch u’th the Dominion in the way of direct dealing. Another point touched upon was the question of freight rates, and the likelihood of the new line cutting into them. The representative of a shipping company declared that the British companies would not. be likely to stand still and allow a German line to underbid them. Ji necessary they would certainly combine against the new competitor, but what was much more likely was an amicable arrangement on the freight rate question. He did not anV/n----pate anything in the shape of a freight war or any general reduction of freight, as a result of the new service starting.