FRESH TRADING PORTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 40, 9 August 1911, Page 4

FRESH TRADING PORTS

NEW CALEDONIA AND NEW HEBRIDES. MARKETS FOR NEW ZEALAND TRADE. Auckland, August 7. The trade of the New Caledonian and New Hebrides groups has so far been hclil exclusively ,by Sydney merchants, but it appears now that New Zealand is to be given a chance to make a bid for its share.

Auckland is closer io these islands than is Sydney, and surprise is expressed in local business circles that the shipping companies did not exploit the trade from bli-is end years ago. It is believed that a good trade connection could be worked up, provided the service is convenient.

The steamer which is to inaugurate the service is the Upolu, and she will make teydneyand Auckland her terminal ports. This vessel formerly belonged to the Union Co., but of recent years she has been running from Sydney to Noumea and New Heibrides under the ownership of the Lever Pacific Plantations Co., Ltd. BUSINESS MAN'S VIEWS. In conversation with a reporter today, a prominent business man said that a number of years ago a large New Zealand shipping company was negotiating to establish a service between Auckland, New Caledonia and the New Hebrides, but a Sydney firm stepped in and "collared" the trade. Ever since Sydney has had it all to herself, and if, as it appears on the surface, a Sydney firm is about to bring in Auckland as well, it does not speak very well for the enterprise of the Dominion. However, the business is there, and if a satisfactory service can be maintained Auckland should benefit materially in the ordinary course ol' events.