DIRECT SHIPMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1920, Page 4

DIRECT SHIPMENTS.

NEAV YORK TO TARANAKI. ANOTHER STEAMER COMING. Another direct steamer from ' New York to New Plymouth is to reach here about July 12. The vessel is the Donald McKay, which runs under the fla.g of the United States and Australia Shipping Company. Her cargo consists of benzine and kerosene, but the quantity is not known yet.

This news is of distinct importance to Taranaki, for it represents the fulfilment of a promise from this company to send regular direct steamers from New York to New Plymouth. The company owns 47 vessels, and to test the suitability of New Plymouth's shipping facilities, they sent their first steamer here—the Lorain —in April, and Mr. Jjlilne (agent of the United States Government, which owns the ships), who was travelling on the Lorain, then stated that other boats, including the Donald McKay, would come if the port and trade conditions were satisfactory. When the Lorain was here her captain (Captain Amberman) had to report on the New Plymouth harbor with a view to deciding whether it shall be continued as a port of call for the vessels of the fleet. After seeing his vessel brought in, Captain Amberman was prepared to say that his report would be quite favorable. The vessels of this line have a carrying capacity of about 10,000 tons, They are "war babies," having emeTged from the war-time shipbuilding activity. The company is opening up an extensive cargo service between the United States and New Zealand and Australian ports.