SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 11 October 1901, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE.

[our parliamentary reporter.]

Wellington This Day.

Two questions on the subject of trade with South Africa were put to the Minister of Railways by Mr M’Kenzie yesterday.

The Minister in reply said there was no fixed arrangement between the Shipping Coys and the Government with regard to the dispatching of ships to South Africa. He was, ho continued, aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the present arrangements to those who wanted to carry oa trade with South Africa, and several complaints had been received from. shippers who strongly urged that not only was there irregularity, but that it was impossible to carry on their trade in consequence of the steamers desiring to go on to London, after they had reached South Africa instead of returning to New Zealand. If any proposal was made that the Government, should pay the difference between the cost of the voyage and the amount received for freight, it would bo carried out only on condition that the steamers should go to South African ports and return to New Zealand. That was the only legitimate reason for giving such a subsidy which ought to be given to a suitable class of steamers. The whole question was under consideration by the Cabinet and he thought proposals would be submitted to the House this session.