TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA

Evening Star, Issue 21751, 20 June 1934, Page 11

TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA

SHIPPING SERVICE INADEQUATE SOUTH ISLAND BADLY TREATED DISCUSSION BY DUNEDIN MANUFACTURERS “ It is hard to understand why the present shipping facilities between New Zealand and Australia have been tolerated so long by South Island trading interests,” declared Mr R, Duncan in commenting on the Bluff-Melbourne service at yesterday’s meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association. After a full discussion it was decided to postpone any action that might be considered necessary to improve the service until the tariff question had been settled. Support was sought for a resolution passed by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce concerning the MelbourneBluff service, and criticising the unsuitability of the Maheno for the conducting of the service desired. The Chairman (Mr J. Hogg) explained that at a previous meeting of the association approval was given to the action of the Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to revive the service, particularly during the Melbourne centenarycelebrations, but the association did not subscribe’to a policy of dictation to the Union Steamship Company as to the kind of boats which should be employed. Reference was made at the meeting to the good facilities which,the company was giving them for cargo. Furthermore, the association supported the service out of consideration for the work which would arise from the overhaul and repairing of vessels at Port Chalmers. Personally he could not support the resolution sent forward by the Chamber of Commerce. Mr R. Duncan said that it would be a sorry day if the association weakened in regard to the movement. He had looked very closely into the shipping services between New Zaland and Australia, and he had found that nine passenger ships left the North Island every month for Sydney, while not one ship left New Zealand for any other Australian port. He pointed out that the population of the dominion was divided into three sections; one section

would cover the area in the north of the North Island from Mount Egmont, one third would be found from Mount Egmont to Wellington, while the South Island ■ would provide the other third. Yet every passenger from the South Island who desired to go to Australia had to leave from either Wellington or Auckland. This not only involved a greater expense, but caused a considerable loss of time and inconvenience. He wondered why such a service had been permitted by the Government so long. If they continued to be satisfied it would lead to a gentle strangulation of business in the South Island. Mr Duncan also raised the question of facilities afforded the tourist to visit the South Island, and pointed out that he had been repeatedly informed of the difficulty for tourists to see the South Island without having to retrace their steps. He maintained that all the facts were strongly in favour of the association doing all in its power to restore the Melbourne-Bluff service. Expansion of their trade was largely atstake, and he was surprised that the Victorian interests were not alive to the situation. A reason commonly given for the nonrestoration of the service was that the weather between Bluff and Melbourne was not so good as between Wellington and the Victorian port. This had been proved to be contrary to fact, and the idea should be removed from the minds of the public altogether. “We seem to have an inferiority complex in the south, but our climate is just as good as anywhere in the north.” he declared. The Chairman: Do you support the resolution from the Chamber of Commerce? Mr Duncan: Yes, with the exception of the reference to the Maheno. When the secretary suggested that there was quite a good service between the two countries Mr Duncan expressed the opinion that it could be considerably improved. The whole service was a question of profits and dividends to the Union Steam Ship Company, but he considered that the transport question should not be considered from the business point of view altogether. He pointed out that the Maheno was to leave Dunedin for Melbourne on only one trip, after which Bluff would be the port of departure, and maintained that people in the North Island would not stand for such treatment. In the south they had the population, and the business warranted a regular service just as much as in the north. He thought

that the association should approach the Government for assistance and support for the establishment of a goods service linked up with the passenger service. The Chairman said that it was not possible for the association to pass the resolution in an amended form. Other points, including the high cost of transhipment at Melbourne, were raised by different speakers. Mr J. Sutherland Ross stressed the danger of going too far in the matter. The Union Company was comprised of business men who were progressing with the times. The standard of luxury and travel had grown enormously in recent years, and the suggestion that had been made that luxurious vessels should be placed on a four days’ trip wtu; to him utterly absurd. He was strongly of the opinion that they should take what the Union Company was prepared to giro them. Mr W. Kindley seconded the motion. Members considered that the chamber should be advised that the association could not support the resolution, but reaffirmed its previous action designed to foster the tourist service. Mr Ross and Mr Kindley agreed to alter their resolution accordingly, and it was carried unanimously. Further consideration was given to the cargo service generally. The Chairman referred to the opening of Milford as a port, and moved that the association congratulate tlxe Government on the steps taken to complete the road to Milford. It would give round access to tourist traffic to New Zealand, and Jie thought that the boats emrloyed on the service would automatically improve in calibre. The motion was carried. Mr R. Duncan moved —“ That the Government be asked to reorganise the present shipping service between New Zealand and Australia to include the South Island and Melbourne.” - Mr Jeffrey suggested that the Union Company be asked to provide as. early as possible for the South Island-Ans-tralia service a moderately-sized cargo boat with passenger accommodation. iMr Ross held that the question should be held over until the tariff question was settled, when the whole matter would come up for discussion again. The course suggested by Mr Ross was adopted. TRANSPORT CO-ORDINATION Information concerning the lack ol co-ordination and deficiencies in trans port services was requested by the Transport Co-ordination Board through a circular received from the New Zea land Manufacturers’ Federation. The various proposals for the effecting of improvements were outlined, and manufacturers’ associations were invited to supply suggestions. On the motion of the Chairman Messrs Stewart, Evans, and Stevenson wore appointed to go into the matter and submit a report.