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Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3857, 15 July 1873, Page 2

If we are not misinformed, good effects have already resulted from the organisation in New Zealand of a strong company for the purpose of competing against the monopoly hitherto enjoyed by Messrs Shaw, Savill and. Co. We understand that one of the latest contracts entered into between the Agent-General and the firm just mentioned bargained for a price of £17 per head for the conveyance of immigrants to this colony — a price undoubtedly above that at which fche same service could be performed by other shipowners. An instance of the truth of this remark was afforded by an offer made by the captain of the Brechin Castle, which recently visited Wellington, to bring out immigrants at £14 10s. The fact that the New Zealand Shipping Co. happened to obtain a contract at 10s per head less than the price previously charged by Shaw, Savill and Co. had a most immediate effect in reducing Shaw, Savill and Co.'s price to £14 per head to the principal ports, with a small increase with respect to such ports as Napier. This sudden reduction on the part of Shaw, Savill and Co. indicates plainly that this firm took advantage of the exceptional monopoly which they had formerly enjoyed of. the Anglo-New Zealand shipping trade, and that finding that extra demand existed for the conveyance of immigrants, they increased their price. It is to be hoped that the New Zealand Shipping Co., which is now established on a firm basis, will receive every reasonable preference from the Government and will be generously supported by importers. Already Shaw, Savill and 00. have exhibited their fear of the competition presented by this company by voluntarily making an offer to transfer to it their ships and charters. Tho company was wise in declining the offer.