LINKING UP THE ISLANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3376, 17 November 1911, Page 5

LINKING UP THE ISLANDS.

THROUGH; BOOKING FACILITIES. BETTER STEAMSHIP SERVICE.

(Per Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Nov. 16

A. meeting of’ the Chamber of Commerce to-day considered a letter from the Wellington Chamber stropgly urging the local Chamber to support them in an endeavor to bring about a system of through booking, by land or sea, from all centres in s the Dominion,. After a short discussion it was decided to support the proposal, though members' expressed the opinion that it might be rather difficult to bring about the desired change. A letter was read from the Dunedin Chamber in reference to the proposed second cable between Melbourne and Bluff. Strong recommendations had been made to Government, as to the advisability of this cable, but it appeared that the matter was not in the control of the Government, but of the Pacific Cable Board. All other South Island Chambers strongly supported the proposal. It was reported unofficially that no survey of the ocean bed at Bluff had been made, but survey could be carried out before any decision on the matter was arrived at. It was resolved that the Dunedin Chamber be apprised of the support of the Invercargill Cliamber in the matter.

Messrs Murrays, Ltd., wrote regarding the increased coastal facilities with Auckland, and pointed out that the present service with Auckland from ports such as the Bluff and Timara was irregular, unreliable and unsatisfactory, while Dunedin and Lyttelton had regular bi-weekly service. It was resolved that the president and Mr N. W. Royds be a deputation to wait upon the Un : on Ootnpany and urge strongly an improve, inenit upon the lines suggested.

The secretary was requested to write to the Auckland Chamber and the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, asking them to move in the same direction, and use their influence to bring about a more regular service between the Bluff and northern ports.