PACIFIC TRADE

Southland Times, Issue 18815, 7 May 1920, Page 7

PACIFIC TRADE

OPENING FOR NEW ZEALAND. The probability of an extensive develop- • ment of trade between New Zealand and Au.-tram, and Canada and the United States of America is a matter in which business men in the several countries are intimately concerned (states the annual report of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce). This trade- ha.- grown to considerable proportions ! during the past five years and when the Im[K)rial commandeer of our various pro- ! ducts expires, exporters are looking to extend their markets in both Canada and the United States of America. Both the San Francisco and the Vancouver mail contracts expire this year, and in the opinion of the council the Government. should seriously consider whether these services could not be made of much greater benefit to the dominion’s producers either by extending the number of ports of call in New Zealand, or by arranging for a fiat rate of freight from New Zealand main ports. At the present time the ports of call in New Zealand are Wellington for the the San Francisco service and Auckland for the Vancouver service. During the year the chamber has been called upon by representatives from the United States of America who have been making inquiries as to the jiossibility of steamer services from Los Angeles to Australian and New Zealand ports, from Seattle, and also from New Orleans. In addition to this it is interesting to note that the Canadian Government mercantile marine has inaugurated a service between Canadian and Australasian ports. The first steamer of this new service was the Canadian Raider, which brought a cargo from Canada and made Auckland its port of call in New Zealand. This vessel has been fixed to load outward cargo for Montreal and New York. Another steamer, the Canadian Importer, is announced to arrive at Wellington from Vancouver, via Australian ports, taking back cargo in return.