DIRECT SHIPMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 March 1921, Page 4

DIRECT SHIPMENTS.

THE PORT PIRIE COMING. CARGO OF 1800 TONS. A letter from Messrs. Collett and Co., New Plymouth agents for the Cunard Line, was read at last night’s meeting of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, advising that arrangements had dow been completed fot a new service of steamers from the United Kingdom to New Zealand direct through Panama, instead of via Australian ports. The letter remarked that the Chamber would no doubt be particularly interested in the new service as the Port Pirie (which is due in New Plymouth in April) was the first steamer to come out under the new arrangement. The vessel left London on Much I for Auckland, Wellington and New Plymouth, and was bringing 1800 tons of cargo for New Plymouth. The president (Mr E. P. Webster) said the fact*of the. Cunard Company taking this action would assist in fostering direct shipments from England to New Plymouth. He also remarked that the securing of 1800 tons of cargo to be landed on the Port Pirie at short notice in the strenuous times through which the country was passing was particularly gratifying, and he felt that they were on the eve of regular direct boats to the port. Appreciation was also expressed of the efforts of the local agents jn bringing the arrangements to a successful issue. In replying Mr. J. R. Cruickshank said he hoped in the near future that the companies would be able to combine and give New Plymouth a regular direct service.