THE ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 1 September 1908, Page 5

THE ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

UNION S.S. COMPANY DEPUTA-

TIONISED

(Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, August 31. A deputation from the Fruit, Brokers' Association waited on the general manager of the Union .Steamship Company to-day in connection with the Island fruit trade. The deputation suggested a faster and better service from JEtaratonga to Wellington be established. It was stated that under the present service considerable delay was caused owing to transhipment of fruit -at Auckland. In some cases the island steamer missed the connecting boat at Auckland, with the result that fruit for the South was delayed four or five days. The deputation asked for a direct service from Raratonga to Wellington,, the second steamer leaving the islands ten days- after the boat for Auckland. ' Mr Holdsworth said the company could not meet the wishes of the trade. It had already improved the service to a great ..extent. Every effort would be" matte to-ensure the boat for the South being caught at Auckland. If $he Government could be jnduoed' to subsidise a direct service to Wellington the -matter would be-worth the company's consideration

The deputation also referred to the pilfering jof .fruit in transit, and suggested that the company shbuld w compensate consignees for losses-sustained in this vr&f "and make strong efforts to stop pillage. „ * Mr Holdsworth. said the company would do all possible to stop pillaging, lho bulk of the fruit was carried on deck at shippers' risk, and the company could not. recognise responsibility.