ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 212, 1 September 1908, Page 3

ISLAND FRUIT TRADE.

DIRECT- SERVICE FROM RARaTONGA TO WELLINGTON. DEPUTATION TO THE UNION COMPANY. v By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. A deputation from the Fruit Brokers' Association waited on the general manager of the Union Steamship Company to-day in connectioa with the Island fruit trade. The deputation suggested that a faster and better service from Raratonga to Wellington be established. It was stated that under the present service considerable delay Was caused owing to transhipment of fruit at Auckland. In some cases the Island steamer missed the connecting boat at Auckland, with the result that fruit for uhe South was delayed for four or five days. The deputation "asked for a direct service between Raratonga to Wellington, the second steamer leaving the Islands ten days after l the boat for Auckland.

Mr. Holdsworth said the company could not meet Uie wishes of the trade. It had already improved the service to .a great extent. Every effort would be jn&de to ensure the boat for the South fceing caught at Auckland. If the Government could be induced to subsidise a direct service to Wellington, the matter would be worth the company's consideration.

The deputation also referred to pilfering of fruit in transit, and suggested that the company should compensate consignees for losses sustained in this way, and.make strong efforts to Btop pillage. Mr. Holdgwortb said the company Would do everything possible to stop pillaging. The bulk of the fruit va» carried on deck at Shippers' risk, and) *he company could not recognise re-' 4poaa3»Uity.