EXPORTS FROM BLUFF HARBOR.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 26, 22 September 1894, Page 8

EXPORTS FROM BLUFF HARBOR.

Now that the fate of Riverton Harbor has been settled, for a time, it may be worth while to glance at the position occupied by the Bluff, as compared with other ports in the colony. The means to do this is afforded by a sheet to hand from the local agent of the N, Z. Shipping Company, giving a list, in tabulated form, of the exports from New Zealand to the United Kingdom from Ist July, 1993, to 30th June, 1894, Prom this we gather that Southland’s port occupies a very satisfactory position so far as the leading items of export are con-

cerned. For example, during the period covered by the return the colony exported 102,144,389 lbs of frozen meat, of which 12,011,187 lbs were-sent from the Bluff, our port being excelled only by Wellington, Lyttelton, and Napier. In wool, she* comes fifth with 29,442 bales, out of a total of 187,231 ; in tallow a,nd pelts fourth, with 3,038 casks out of a total of 33,771; in preserved meats,. the Bluff is first with. 15,602 cases out of a total of 35,862 cases ; while in oats she also has premier place having 113,697 sacks to her credit out of a> total of 192,654. In cheese Southland’s port is only represented by 41 tons, while Port Chalmers bulksla'rge with 1743 tons, but it should be explained that at least half of this quantity comes fiom Southland under the arrangement existing with the district factories and the Dairy Produce Association. The foregoing figures are well worthy of consideration,'at a time when attempts are being made in certain quarters to decry the port and its capabilities, and when the representative of thedistrict in the Upper House is found advancing reasons in favor of establishing another harbor a few miles from the one which serves us so well. In this connection it is satisfactory tolearn that good progress is being made with the boring and blasting operations at tbe port, and that the New Zealand Shipping Co’s steamer Aorangi will visit it shortly to take in general cargo and clear the Southland Frozen Meat Co’s works for the season. She is the first of the Company’s direct mail service steamers to come to the Bluff, and her visit may be regarded as an indication of the favor in which the port is held by fhose connected with maritime affairs.