P. AND O. STEAMER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10012, 7 April 1910, Page 5

P. AND O. STEAMER.

WHICH PORT OF CALL?

By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCLKAND, April 6. There is general uneasiness expressed by shipping and commercial men here that a quiet, but persistent effort is being made in Wellington to divert the P. and 0. steamers, or some of them which will ba in the New Zealand trade, from Auckland to Wellington. The impression here seems to be that unless Auckland is vary wide awake and active in the matter eventualities may arise before next November that will prejudicially affect the relationship already established between the P. and O. Company and the port of Auckland. It is believed that already steps are being taken in Wellington in connection with the line referred to which will seriously menace the interest of Auckland in this matter. So strong is the feeling on the subject that the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce (Mr Gunson) has cabled direct to Sir Thomas Sutherland, chairman of directors of the P. and 0. Line as follows:—"Trust Auckland will be retained as monthly port of call. Service highly appreciated and valuable." The cablegram was sent on behalf ; of the chamber, and the whole question will be discussed at the next council meeting of that body.

STEAMER ARRANGEMENTS,

Messrs Russell and Somer, Auckland agent for the P. and 0. Line, have received information from the head office of the-company in Sydney to the effect that a monthly service of steamers will be run from New Zealand in November, to be inaugurated by the Mongolia, leaving Sydney for the Dominion on 19th No> vember. This steamer will be followed at four weekly intervals by the Mooltan, Mantua, and Marmora, the Mongolia and Mooltan makinc second trips. The last P. and 0. steamer to call at Auckland this season will be the Morea, due nn April 13th. Messrs Russell and Somers have received no intimation that their company's steamer* will make Wellington a port of call.