TRADE EXTENSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8335, 18 January 1907, Page 7

TRADE EXTENSION.

PROPOSED NEW STEAM SERVICE. A steam service from New Zealand j to New Caledonia, via Norfolk Island, is in contemplation by the Government, and optional tenders are now being invited by Mr T. E. Donne, Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, for { a monthly or six-weekly service, as may be thought best. Lyttelton is to be made the terminal .port of arrival, and Auckland the final port of departure in New Zea- ■ land. Steamers after departure from New Zealand are to call at Norfolk Island, at Noumea (New Caledonia); ako at Vila (New Hebrides) if sufficient inducement offer. On thereturn voyage steamers are to call at Norfolk island, Auckland, Welling- ' ton and Lyttelton, in the order named. Steamers for the contract must be not less than 750 tons gross register, well equipped for passenger and cargo trade, having accommodation to carry dairy and farm produce to port of destination,, and live " stock to Norfolk Island, Noumea or New Hebrides. There has been voluminous correspondence between the Noumea authorities and the New Zealand Department of Industries and Commerce respecting the need for a service between the two colonies, and .the- movement now afoot is the fruit of these negotiations. "\