DIRECT IMPORTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1920, Page 4

DIRECT IMPORTS.

The discussion which took place at the Hawera Chamber of Commerce on Friday relative to the efforts that are being made io establish a direct import service for the benefit of the whole of Taranaki, served a useful porpose. The outcome of the Chamber's consideration of this progressive project was the appointment of a member to interview the importers of that district and obtain their views on the, matter, which the President tersely summed up thus: "Direct exports and imports will be to our advantage, and we want to save jfrfflßfit* sri«M L jsosjibje." Another

equally important point was referred to, namely, the saving of time in transshipping. It has taken many years and the expenditure of a large amount of money to make the port of the province fit for overseas vessels to trade therewith regularly, and though the work is not yet finished, it has been proved by experience that the Home liners can be berthed at the wharf safely. The result is seen in the stream of big vessels now coming in to Motnroa. Obviously, it is sound business to nmkp use of the port facilities for all they are worth, and it would he in the best interests of the importers and exporters of Taranaki to i do all in their .power to foster direct Urade and make New Plymouth the first [port of call for as many overseas vessels ?as possible. In characterising aa absurd the view of the secretary of the .Hawera Chamber that the idea at New was to bring l to the port vessels that carried only cargo to and from Moturoa, the chairman was certainly justified. There is no question of sucfc an idea existing, and it is a pity it was mentioned. What is wanted is that the movement in favor of a direct service of overseas liners with the main port of Taranaki shall be thoroughly understood and its value realised. The, trade will follow as a matter of course.' Meantime it is for the traders of the province to furnish to the various chambers of commerce particulars of their import requirements, so that the shipping companies may be approached to provide a regular direct service from London, or any other English port, to New Plymouth.