WEST OF ENGLAND.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15319, 21 August 1923, Page 8

WEST OF ENGLAND.

OPENINGS FOR N.Z. TRADE.

LOOK TO SOUTHAMPTON,

"For many years exporters:in New Zealand have been endeavouring to foster trade between West of England ports and the Dominion. The service of steamers to these ports has, however, been intermittent and unsatisfactory. Until a speedy and regular service is established there is little likelihood of a satisfactory trade being built up." Suchs is the opinion 'of Mr H. C' Cameron, formerly Pro'duce and" Exhibition Commissioner, and latterly Officer-in-Charge of Immigration in London, who has just returned to the Dominion.

"Regular supply and distribution are essential," declared Mr Cameron to a reporter. "There are now two linos of steamers—the Shaw, Savill, and the New Zealand Shipping—leaving the Dominion for London and arriving in England at regular intervals. These always call at Southampton to disembark their passengers, and consignments of produce intended for districts in the west of midlands of England could be discharged at Southampton and railed from thence to their destination.

"Southampton is the only port of the west and south coast of England that is not affected by tides, and (he largest steamers in the world are able to enter or leave there at any time. The docks are owned by the London and South Western Railway Company, and, consequently, every facility for expeditious discharge and delivery by rail throughout the country at low rates is available. Cold storage, owned also by the railway company, with direct discharge from steamer into the cold chambers, is provided. The railway linos run alongside the steamers at the wharves, so that cargo can

be discharged direct into truck. So rapidly can cargo be handed at Southampton, that shipments for the west of England or midlands could be delivered at their destinations before the steamers carrying them reached London.

"Many merchants in the west and midlands of England are anxious to develop New Zealand trade in dairy produce and apples especially, but, owing to the irregularity in shipping and uncertainty of arrivals hitherto prevailing, little has been done. No merchant" will try to push trade if he has not certainty of arrival and regularity of supply. Unless that can be assured there is little possibility of attaining the di sired direct trade. By shipvng via Southampton * good demand could speedily be developed. "Argentine exporters, as well as Canadian and American shippers, arc rapidly taking advantage of Southampton as the port of discharge for produce from these countries. New Zealand, therefore, should not lag behind, but should make every endeavour !o get the shipping companies to use the port of Southampton as indicated, and so help to develop New Zealand trade throughout the Old Country.. Evidently, the possibilities of Southampton are not realised by New Zealand business men. but it is a mnlter that might, wfi',l occupy (he attention of chambers uf commerce throughout the Dominion.''