PACIFIC MAIL STEAMERS

Timaru Herald, Issue 170301, 21 August 1920, Page 3

PACIFIC MAIL STEAMERS

. WILL NOT VISIT SOUTHERN PORTS. From our Parliamentary Correspondent A demand from the South. Island that the subsidised mail steamers should sometimes make their first call at southern ports was mentioned in the House of Representatives. The Postmaster-General (Mr C'oates) replying to a question put /by Mr Isitt (Christchurch North), said that lie had not considered the question of alternative calls at southern ports. What he had considered was the adjustment of freights so as to equalise conditions at the various ports. He had promised to go thoroughly into the question of the freight charged on goods from America to the various ports of the two Islands. The present contract had been extended for twelve months, and in the meantime the matter should receive consideration. The Minister added that the delivery of mails would not be expedited by their delivery at southern ports. Auckland hapriened to be the nearest port for boats from America and the mails came south by train quicker than a steamer could bring theln.