BIG FORTUNES IN CARGOES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 120, 7 February 1918, Page 5

BIG FORTUNES IN CARGOES

' £74,000 FOR TWO MONTHS' VOYAGE. Some of tho world's oldest sailing ships have visited Sydney lately and taken away oargoes (says the Sydney "Sun"). 'Two of three sailers which arrived not 'long since were just 40 "years old, while tho third had beep afloat for three years before fhe others were built. Tho 43-year-old vessel was at one time a famous steamship, and was refitted after the war broke out. She is now carrying big cargoes, and is still able to battle her way through stormy weather.

There is a scarcity of tonnage on the route between San Francisco and other Pacific,ports, with a consequent accumulation of cargo and a general increase in freights. It is only that enormous rates aro being paid for cargo that makes the working of these old-timers a profitable business. They are slow as a rule, and have to b< nursed in rough weather. At terminal porta repairs hare to be put in hand at great expense. Nevertheless it pays to spend money in this way.

There have been in port recently tiro vessels of 30 years, one of 31 years; iind two of more than 25 years' se> vice. Anything below 20 years is now looked upon as a now ship.

A sailing vessel recently carried : full cargo of benzine and kerosene' from an American Pacific port to New Zealand at the remrd rate of 10s. a ease of two tins. !rhe previous record was Bs.'a ease to Sydney'from San Francisco. The vessel, which came t' Australia, earned £74,000 on a voyago which occupied ai.out two months. With tho New Zealniid cargo the earnings would be considerably more.