TRADE WITH BRISTOL.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11478, 10 January 1903, Page 4

TRADE WITH BRISTOL.

AN LMPORTANT PROPOSAL

(.si'Ktt.U. TO "THK VKKSS.")

DUNEDIN. Januavv 9.

Tlr? news that the ancient part of Bristol courts a business arrangement with New Zealand for establishing direct trade relations is regarded as of the utmost importance. The information is brought by Mr Samuel Smith, a well known tailor of Dunedin. who has just returned from a trip to England. Mercantile proposals of such magnitude usually receive publicity through the Government or large companies. There is. however, reason in this case for a piivate channel of communication. Mr Smith went for a holiday to Bristol to visit his parents there. He was introduced to Mr F. B. Gridleetone, Chairman of t'.ie Avonmotiih Dock Committee. ;i!m» to the Lord Mayor. Beforeleaving the colony Nit Smith had heard something about the rene-wed business activity of "Bristol, but wh.it- ho saw far exceeded his anticipations. The old city is as busy as a hive makini: preparations for M-izing upon hitherto neglected opportunities ot contioliing an eniurgvd ocean trade, tine of the new schemes is for iv new dock at AvonmouUi. Large vessels already use the existing Avonmouth dock, which for its size is one of the most etticient and well equipped concerns in the United iKngdom. But this dock is congested with traflio ana a new dock is needed. To provide this the Corporation of Bristol are willing to pledge tlisir borough fund as security for the further expendituie of about two millions sterling to meet the requirements of modern trade. The new dock is to be thirty acres in extent, capable of expansion hereafter as the trade requires it, ana there is alfo to be a graving dock 850 feet long. The approach will be by a lock 850 feet in length, and 85 feet in breadth, witti a depth on the sills of 35 feet at high water or ordinary neap tides. The dock wharves will be equipped with the most efficient type of sheds, cranes, and elevators, and will be connected by sidings with tho Great Western and Midland Railway Companies. The siding arrangements wm be of thej.mo.st modern character for dea'ing rapidly and economically with cargoe-s of vessels" of from 12,000 to 20,000 tons j capacity. I

Mr Smith was impressed more than ever with the exceptional suitability of the port as a huge shipping centre. Bristol lias a population uf from ten to twelve millions within its proper geographical area of distribution. It has unlimited deep water frontages, and it is naturally a depot for the lest of England, Wales and Ireland As part of their scheme the Bristol people are encouraging visits from representatives of oversea countries, with the hope of stimulating trade. A mercantile repre sentative lrom New York was' there at tne same time as Mr Smith, and as a Tesult there is to be a direct line of steamer* between Bristol and America. Direct trade with Africa is also arranged for, and now they want to do business direct with Nsw Zealand. As a means to that end Mr iSmith was asked by Mr Gridlestone whether he would undertake to see Mr Seddon, then in England, and try to induce him to visit Bristol and talk over a proposal, or at any rate to consider it. Mr Smith, inspired by the hope of doing something thai would be to the advantage of his adopted country, willingly accepted the commission, and, proceeding to London, wrote, asking for an interview with Mr Soddon, but received no reply, so he went to the Premier's hotel, and there learned that Mr Seddon had just left for Liverpool. As a matter of fact. Mr Smith did not see Mr Seddon, but received from him a letter explaining that he had no time to spare, but that if Mr -Smith had any business to transact he had better call on the AgentGeneral. Thinking that the Hon. W. P. Beeves could hardly deal with such a matter, and that it was one for a Minister ot the Crown, Mr Smith resolved to pack up his authorisations and credentials and place them before the Government on his return to New Zealand. In taking this step Mr Smith is acting with full authority for the details he is at liberty to publish just now pending an interview with Sir Joseph Ward or some other member of Cabinet Mr Smith is also empowered to say that the Dock Committee will subsidise direct steamers, and that the Town Council will very likely bring up a yearly subsidy to a handsome amount if New Zealand consent. to pay a reasonable share of such subsidy. Mr Smith is convinced tliat this proposal offers New Zealand a capital opportunity for the proper distribution of her frozen meat and other produce. He went to two or three butcher shops in Bristol and saw frozen meat there, end inquired about New Zealand meat. The meat he saw was scraggy and miserable looking, and he felt sure it was not from this colony. At one shop lie asked d man to point him out New Zealand meat if he had any. "Oh, yes," the shopkeeper replied, "It is outside," and he went outside, but returned, looked the questioner tip and down, and then said, "We are out of it just now." There can be no doubt, Mr Smith says, that tradesmen try to palm off other meat- as New Zealand meat, the fact being that ths genuine article seldom gets outside of London.