A DIRECT SHIPPING SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1921, Page 4

A DIRECT SHIPPING SERVICE.

The decision of the Federal Shipping Company to include New Plymouth in its regular monthly itinerary in New Zealand waters marks an important stage in the development of overseas trade between England and Taranaki. For some time past vigorous efforts have been made by the local Chamber of Commerce to institute a regular service. Several direct shipments have been made, but it was felt that to ensure complete success a regular service, be it two-monthly or three-monthly, was necessary. The Federal Company apparently have enterprise enough to commence a monthly service. Details of their plans are not available, but the company’s boats work the west of England ports, and possibly shipments for Taranaki will have to be sent to Bristol. This is, of course, not so convenient a point as London, but it is a tremendous advantage for local importers to get their godds by direct boat from any English port. Not only is there an appreciable saving in coastal freight, but the delays and losses’sustained in transhipping in Wellington are avoided. Taranaki altogether imports nearly 40,000 tons of overseas cargo annually, and if even half of this can be obtained direct the saving to the province will be considerable. Then there is .the contiguous iistrict of Wanganui, which can save money on many lines, particularly bulky ones like fertilisers, salt, etc., by using the port of New Plymouth. It is gratifying to know that one of the Home shipping companies is prepared to pioneer a regular service, and that, too, without looking for a guarantee as to a minimum amount of cargo. A regular service is bound to make its own trade and prove an unqualified success in connection with a prosperous and go-ahead province like Taranaki. Further details will be awaited with -interest. Meantime the Federal Company may. be congratulated upon the enterprise and good judgment shown by this departure.