TRADE OF THE PORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1926, Page 10

TRADE OF THE PORT.

The port returns for the past year make interesting and satisfactory ircailing. The shipping strike interfered considerably with -the trade of the port, and this interference is naturally reflected in the trade returns. Notwithstanding this, trade shows an expansion, ami in some respects establishes a record. The direct imports totalled 46,438 ‘tons, or 5249 more than last year, which at £1 5s a ton means a saving to Taranaki of over £57,0<10. The transhipment charges ami coastal freights from Wellington would probably exceed £1 ss, so that the harbour is thoroughly justifying itself and proving a great boon to Taranaki people. Excluding boats from Australia, the total number of ships from overseas was 45, an increase of five over the previous year. Were the port made greater use of for the direct export of dairy produce there is no doubt that this number would be further increased. When the Harbour Board has provided further berthage, as it expects to do before the beginning of next producing season, there will be no excuse for direct boats not picking up all Taranaki’s dairy produce at Moturoa instead of most of it having to be sent to Wellington and there transhipped. Exports only increased by 357 tons during the year. This was only to be expected whilst the present transhipment policy is pursued by the shipping companies. General exports were down by 6024 tons, due to a serious decline in the Australia trade, which, however, it is expected will improve during the coming year. Taking everything into consideration, the past vear must be accounted a successful one. Things have been by no means favourable, ami for the port to have more than held its own must be considered a satisfactory achievement. The board is alive to the necessity for pushing on with the improvements, ami by this time next year should have provided additional accommodation, lack of which is retarding the development of 'the port.