THE MAUI POMARE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1930, Page 7

THE MAUI POMARE

YEAR’S RUNNING INVOLVES LOSS OF £4961. WELLINGTON, August 20. Much attention is directed to the Government motor vessel, Maui Pomare, in the annual report on the Cook and other Islands, presented to Parliament by the Minister for the Cook Islands', Sir Aipirana Ngata. The report shown that for the year ended March 31st, 1930, the loss on the vessel’s operations was £4961, as against an anticipated loss of £6261. The- revenue was £25,130, and the expenditure £30,091. The opinion is expressed that greater satisfaction could be had from a financial standpoint if the Maui Pomare did not make so many ports of call in New Zealand. During the year the vessel carried 4451 tons of cargo between New Zealand and Samoa, 2329 tons of cargo between New Zealand and Niue, 940 tons of cargo between New Zealand and Norfolk, and 47,000 superficial f ee -b n? timber; Included in the above were 70,894 : cases of fruit, of which only i per cent, were lost. The balance of the shipment®, it wap stated, were landed in first class condition. Although intended as a cargo vessel only, the demand for passages by officials and by pleasure-seekers has been such that the - very limited accommodation provided had been, taxed to its utmost, no fewer than 771 passengers having been carried during the year. A valuable fruit trade with Samoa has been made possible, and has, no doubt, resisted the territory during the present depression in the main (copra) industry, The report continues; “The Niue trade has been given a considerable impetus, and, with the exception of two abnormal years, shows a record. A valuable banana trade with New Zealand has also been possible, and I s eagerly exploited l>y the Niue people. A regular service with Norfolk was carried out throughout the year, and though showing good promise, w«6 abandoned to give a full time service with our own territories.

. Considerable work was done on the vessel during the year, by wiiy of alterations, repairs, and additional fittangs, which placed a ' considerable burden on the year’s accounts.