DIREOT IMPORT TRADE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12582, 1 October 1908, Page 4

DIREOT IMPORT TRADE.

We aro informed that close upon 1000 tons of merchandise imported direct by Wangauui business people have arrived in Wellington during the past few Jays, 700 tons being brought out by the Turakina. This is a fairly substantial cargo, and only goes to pliow what might be done if direct import trade were opened up with this port. There is no earthly reason why the whole of the Turakina's cargo -ould not lave been transhipped to lighters in the Wanganui roadstead, thereby saving a considerable sum in freights to local business people, as also giving employment to more hands here. The important question of establishing direct trade here has been taken up enthusiastically by Mr 'A. Burnett, with whom is associated Mr E. A. Campbell. With two such enterprising gentlemen, who are earnestly desirous of seeing Wanganui take ite rightful place amongst the chief ports of New Zealand, promoting the undertaking, success seems almost assured. They and .many others are confident that a. satisfactory' and profitable import trade can be opened up in the roadstead — satisfactory and profitable to both ship-owners and shippers, and it only requires persistent pressure,' to bring it about. If only the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company were not under contract to send its meat Home throngh the Tyser Steamship Company, the solution of the problem would be comparatively easy. The former company really holds the key to the position. Its business is worth having, and if it could act in conjunction with local business people they would have no difficulty whatever in offering sufficient inducements to attract rival shipping companoes. If the Tyser Company i=s wise, it will assist Wanganui in the laudable efforts to open up a direct impn«-t trade, for by so doing it wilt establish itself in a position which it will be difficult to ou*l it. There 's a greatfuture before the pert, and sooner or later there will be a big import and export business from Wangauui. Experience proves that the pioneers in trade have a big advantage over other rivals, and If the Tyser Company i; really anxious to increase and hold its business connections, it should not hesitate, even if it has to go out of its way to do so, to further direct import trade and meet the unanimous wishes of the people of Wanganui. ,