IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

Evening Star, Issue 21746, 14 June 1934, Page 15

IMPORTERS AND SHIPPERS

OTAGO ASSOCIATION The monthlymeeting of the executive of the Otago Importers’ and Shippers’ Association was held on Tuesday Evening, the vice-chairman (Mr J. C. H. Somerville) presiding, A complaint was received regarding the late arrival of the new season's dates at the close of Inst year, ox the annual direct steamer from Arabia via Melbourne, thereby handicapping local distributors in dealing with the Christmas demand. The Secretary reported that in this connection ho had addressed a letter to the head office of the British India Steam Navigation Company in London, requesting that arrangements he made for the coining season, so that the fruit might ho available not later than December I next:. Correspondence was submitted regarding the extensive damage that had occurred to certain cargo e.v the m.v. Taranaki on her last visit to this port. The vessel bad extended her protest, and in consequence, tho local agents had declined nil liability on the ship’s behalf.—As it was considered that lack of care in stowage had contributed to the trouble, the association had written fully direct to the owners in London, with a view to obtaining recognition of what was thought to be a just claim, and requesting that greater ca,re be exercised in the loading and stowing of vessels in future. It was further reported that the matter had been brought before the Underwriters' Association, and the New Zealand Importers’ Federation, as it was felt that both were vitally interested in the matter. An interesting report compiled by the New Zealand Trade Commission in London concerning the possibilities of dominion commerce with the West Indies was next considered. A letter was read from Messrs H. L. Tapley and Co. Lid., contractors to the Harbour Board for the receiving and delivery of overseas cargo, wherein they advised the recent issue of special instructions to their wharf staff regarding the opening and examining of cases in wharf sheds, which had been found necessary in order to prevent pilfering, and asking the assistance of importers generally in carrying out the regulations in the interests of all concerned. —lt was decided to give full support to the request.—A letter was also read from the Comptroller of Customs, Wellington, favouring a suggestion that had been put forward that arrangements should be made for providing a central Customs office, with examination shed attached, as already obtained at other main ports of the dominion. He further stated that the department proposed to approach tho Harbour Board with a view to providing such facilities.—lt was decided that the association do all possible to bring about tins much-needed improvement in the working of the"port. A further matter of great interest'to all importers was a draft of the case as submitted b ( y the federation to the Imperial Shipping Committee. London, requesting a reduction in freight rates from the United Kingdom,’to New Zealand.—The Secretary advised that he had asked for a number of copies of these documents, and when to hand, he proposed to forward them to all members of the association.