MELBOURNE SHIPPING.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 3, 7 June 1864, Page 2

MELBOURNE SHIPPING.

We extract the following report of the trade between Melbourne nnd New Zealand' from Mr. S. Dcßccr's Month'// Shipping and Freight Report ; — The stagnation which has for a lengthened period prevailed in the New Zealand trade has. to some extent, been relieved, although as yet only in anticipation, by the discovery of a new gold field in the Nelson "province, near Picton, a port m Good's Straights, the reports from which, we are advised, had the effect of greatly exciting the population of Dunedin and the surrounding districts ; so much so as to cause the greater number of the large steamers engaged in the Melbourne and Utugo trade— viz., the City of Hob art, Hero, Gothenburg, Omeo, and Scotia, with other local steamers, to be almost simultaneously filled with passemrers for this newest El Dorado. Owing to the withdrawal of these steamers from their regular trade, we have only had one arrival from Dunedin since' the 7th (per Alhambra), until late on the 21st instant, when the City of Hohart arrived, via Picton and Sydney, having put into tV.e latter port for fuel. The consequence has been much inconvenience to shippers for want of remittances and advices ; and the considerate conduct of the agents of the 'City Q*' Hohart is to be commended in sending her on here, while all the other steamers seem to be kept on the New Zealand coast so long a3 the rush offers tempting remuneration, thus ignoring the convenience of .parties here who have been their constant supporters. Should future advices from the r.ow field be of a favorable nature, no doubt some of onr miners will again be induced do leave this colour, notwithstanding the severe its appointments experienced in the past two years ; but the advanced season will doubtless exercise a wholesome chock upon the ardour of many, an consequently limit their number, even although the new diggings enjoy a much milder climate than those in the Otago province, wlule the physical features of the country are said to be so tauie as to admit of drays going right up to the scenes off operation. Should, however, a rush from tliis be: iuagurated, the numerous stermers would becapa-: ble of affording sufficient accommodation without; the aid of sailing vessels. Cargo continues offering; in fair qnantitv, for which full rates rre paid to small craft capable of discharging at the^ various ■wharves, but no demand whatever exists for large vessels, the shipments oi sheep having ceased for the season. This trade -will, however, be resumed, although perhaps not to same extent as formerly, in November next, and continue until, about March ; which circumstance is worthy of note by ebipowners iv England haying ships coming tliis way intended to load home from the Chineas, to stipulate for liberty to convey freight from^this to a port in New Zealand on the way down, the detention not exceeding a few days at most. Several ships had this liberty last year, : and profited accordingly. The stearmer SoucJiays, for some trmc_ past plying between this port and Auckland, calling at Sydney both, ways, has been withdrawn trom the former port, and placed in the trade between this and Sydney direct. The Barwon has also for some months been employed in this trade, inducing Newcastle, and r it is reported that another recently-arrived steamer is to be placed on the eameline. This oppositien' fo the Australian Steam Navigation Company, of Sydney, who have for many years QXgoyed a- 'highly/ lucrative monopoly of this trade, has already had the effect of causing that .company to reduce their previous rates .. of- pussage-inoney — .from . £7- 75.,, in.-the saloon: and £3 35., steerage— to £5 and £2 10b. respectively ; still ' quite enough, however, for • a -passage of AS to 55 hours, and it is to be" hoped » proportionate reduction- on rates of freight ;yv;ll f>lkrw. ■ To insure such, retluctien being perina»jnt, however, lies entirely -with shippers and passengers of both ends, who ought not to forget that,' oa several occasions during the past few

j ears, thej suffered snmlai advantage* to those how"* offered to pass out of" their handa, through t'xeir bc*towmg onlj a^bickly pitrona^c, insufficient to enable the then* spjgityd oppositionists to pel severe, "who w.ie no aopji^r* bought or run off, thon the foimer regime }of lugh heights and fares were lorived, and -which, they^ have since groaned under It has long been regarded as a blot upon the onteipribe oi Melbourne, that tins valuable and nnpoitant trade, supported .is it cliicfly is horn this end, shouU.be cnlncly cmo} cd by,,tho sister colony. ■ ? ■