THE EAST COAST TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1164, 27 June 1911, Page 4

THE EAST COAST TRADE.

COMPETITION BETWEEN AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON. IBy TalccraTjh.-Srectal CorrosponflcnU Auckland, Juno 2G. Auckland merchants doing business in Gisborne and East Coast ports are protesting against the fact that owing to tho shipping competitions in freights, Wellington merchants have during the last few months been put upou a much better basis than merchants of Auckland as regards shipping. Owing to tho Richardson Steamship Company entering into competition with the Union Steam Ship Company and tho Huddart-I'arker Company in the Wcllinston-Gisborne trade, the freights which have until tho last few months been 17s. Gd. per ton measurement from Wellington to Gisborne by all steamers have, been reduced to 12s. Gd. per ton by all boats, including the regular bi-weekly mail steamers, whilst the freight, by the bi-weekly steamers from Auckland to Gisborne remains tho old chargo of 17s. Gd. per ton measurement. The Union Company, upon being approached about the matter, pointed out that the s.s. Squall brings goods to Gisborne at. a 12s. Gd. freight, but local merchants would mention that as regards prompt shipment this steamer is of little use to Gisborne importers, as this vessel is inadequate for tho trade. A meeting of those interested will bo held in a day or two.