T Q

10

the country (3.) It would save storage and other expenses. (4.) Steamers could not wait, therefore could not afford much convenience. (5.) Shippers would not pay more than sailing-vessel rates, except in case of a comparatively few goods. (G.) In my opinion, no subsidy should be given by the colony, unless for mails. This could be arranged for either via Melbourne or San Francisco. I notice for a very efficient service via San Francisco the net cost was only £8,166 for last year, and this is likely to be reduced. (7.) I think if the colony subsidized a direct steam mail service, that Wellington should be the port of arrival and departure, as most convenient for distribution. (8.) If steamers were subsidized for cargo purposes (which I think unnecessary,) owners would arrange to arrive and depart from ports where cargo was most easily procured. (9.) Frozen meat, no doubt, would occasionally form a portion of cargoes, but I doubt if the colony could send for some years any considerable quantity (10.) New Zealand, so far as a direct service is concerned, labours under disadvantages, as compared with Sydney and Melbourne, inasmuch as we have so many ports; the getting to and from each is costly a,nd occupies much time. (11.) If immigrants are brought by steamers the cost to the country will he very much increased, as I see by the papers the estimated charge is £18. (12.) With the present services between England and Melbourne, coupled with the services between here and Melbourne, I think we are very well served so far as passengers are concerned, and also fancy goods for early season. (13.) With a partial service, such as that named in the correspondence, I would not be surprised if the cost of homeward freights increased. (14.) Cargo which now comes per steamers to Melbourne would not come by a direct line at intervals of two months ; as at present it comes weekly, is more convenient, and is done cheaply (15.) I believe freights of this character will be soon delivered at a cheaper rate, as I understand the French and German Governments have subsidized lines to Australia. (16.) These boats may, most likely, take up this service without subsidy (17 )We should not commit the country to a large subsidy until the Panama Canal is finished.

APPENDIX D.

Summary of the Direct Imports, Exports (including Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce), and Passenger Traffic between the under-mentioned Ports of New Zealand and the United Kingdom, for the Year ended 30th June, 1881. (From replies to Circular Telegram of 18th August, addressed to the Collectors of Customs.)

Authority : G-eobge Didsbttry, G-OYernment Printer, Wellington. —1881.

Passei igers. Tom iage. Val lue. Ports. In. Out. Erozen Meat, &e. In. Out. Imports. Exports. £ £ C 316,274 I 47,077 Colonial produce, including £675 butter. Foreign produce. Frozen meat, 100 carcases probable first shipment. Including £6,094 dairy produce. Frozen meat, nil. 500 tons each steamer. To extent of remunerative market. No data. Ml. Considerable. No data. Probably go vid Dunedin. luckland 1,613 5' ... 21,077 8,120 739.721 Dyttelton 26 26,382 67,197 721,293 1,312,484* 1,289 308 26 68 Dunedin Wellington ... invercargill ... Napier STelson Kmaru )amaru 1,119 1,058 8 5° 143 '35 27 36 5° 17 S3 34,776 26 23,241 1 836 33 26 1 18 12 9 20,361 11,679 8,033 5.293 1,257,198 603,602 67,898 9'.756 100,050 79,685 34,6io 1,395.881 811,206 219,099 552,609 "7,198 120,628 55,283 Nod Nod ata ata 5 2,204 Totals ... 767 86 106,312 3>69S.8i3 5>»37 112 122,887 4,837,739 * Im iluding _ '0,000 specii