INTERCOLONIAL STEAM COMMUNICATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2429, 18 January 1882, Page 3

INTERCOLONIAL STEAM COMMUNICATION.

[PEBSS ASSOCIATION TEEBGEAM.] AUCKLAND, January 17. A special meeting of tbe Auckland Chamber of Commerce wag held to consider a project of the P. and O. Company, to inaugurate steam communication between Australia and New Zealand. The president (Mr 0. 0. lie "lillnn) said what was wanted was an expression of opinion, and if it were favorable it might help on the realisation of tbe propetal. It had been hoped -when the Union Company was established, or rather when it placed boats on the Australian trade, that it would prove itself a truly colonial concern, but it had since then shown itself to be one of a strictly provincial character, whose chief object was to centralise trade at Dunedin by disregarding the requirements of other ports. Dissatisfaction had been engendered from Lytteiton northwards, and there did not seem to be any immediate promise of relief. Freight charges were unequal, for the prasent charges for carrying cargo between Dunedin and Taranaki were no higher than from Auckland to Taranaki. The P. and O. Oompany had shown a disposition to enter into the trade, and with the object of enooaraging the project he begged to move—- " That this chamber has heard with satisfaction the probability of the Peninsular and Oriental Company commencing steam service between Sydney and New Zealand, connecting with an English line, and cordially support the movement, and pledge themselves to do all in their power to support the services. Mr Lamb seconded the resolution pro form*. Messrs Heather, D. L. Nathan and Harper expressed themselves as indisposed to pledge to support the P. and O. Company's line. The Union Oompany had reduced freight charges to, and had improved means of communication with, Australia. The company was a New Zealand concern, and had placed fine and commodious steamers in the trade. Mr Henderson (local agent of the Union Oompany) explained that the delay which had taken place in connection with the Australian service of the Union Oompany had been caused by Sydney being declared an infected part. At present the trade was not sufficiently large enough between Sydney and Auckland to justify trips being made at shorter intervals, but, at any rate, steps were now being taken to achieve that very object. Mr Oppenheimer pointed out that other companies besides the P. and O. Oompany, and notably those of France, were likely to enter tbe New Zealand and Australian trade. Mr Morton, whila supporting the resolution, regretted that the name of the Union Company had been dragged icto the discussion, inasmuch as it had served them well. They should rather blame their imperfect shed accommodation than the Union Oompany for the delays and insonvenience connected with transport and debarkation of cargo. Mr Donald complained cE difficulties placed in the way of shippers of cargo by the Union Company, and also referred to the shortness of time allowed for loading at that port. Mr Aickcn also spoke in favor of the motion. Mr J. M. Clark supported the resolution. The Union Company, although nominally a Hew Zealand Oompany, was to a considerable extent a foreign one. It was peculiarly, howsver, a Dunedin concern, and by the manner in which it was worked the directors showed that they considered the interests of that city paramount. Their object was not so rauoh to pay dividends as to foster Dunedin trade, and that fact was conclusively shown by the way in which the Canterbury coasting t rade wos being centred in the metropolis of O'.ago, instead of at its natural centre and depot, Lyttelton. Competition at any rate ■T.'.a an advantage, and besides, it would be desirable to give the P. and O. Company the preference in orders for England and Australia, as they would then be responsible for prompt and careful carriage of goods through, every stage of the journey from the point of departure to their destination. After some discussion the resolution was put and carried.