SOUTH ISLAND WANTS AUSTRALIAN SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 384, 19 June 1928, Page 16

SOUTH ISLAND WANTS AUSTRALIAN SERVICE

MANUKA TAKEN OFF PROTEST FROM DUNEDIN Press Association. DUNEDIN, Monday. At this evening’s meeting of the Chamber of Commerce the question of a better service between Melbourne and the Bluff was discussed. The secretary reported that he had telegraphed to the general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company protesting against the service between New Zealand and Melbourne being carried on by cargo steamers during the overhaul of the Manuka. The reply of the manager of the company was that the annual overhaul was required by the Marine Department and must be observed. The date of the resumption of running of the steamer could not be definitely determined until the overhaul was under way. The writer added that the company was unable to agree that New Zealand interests would be seriously affected by the arrangement as cargo opportunities were being provided and the few passengers concerned at this season of the year had alternative routes. The Chairman: I understand the Prime Minister has been communicated with. Mr. Campbell: Yes, and he said he would look into it and report later. Mr. Campbell went on to say that the line from the Bluff to Melbourne was good at one time but through the action of the Union Company it had fallen off. Now that the vessel was being laid up for some months the run might as well be discontinued altogether. He hoped the Chamber would protest against the way the Southern part of New Zealand was being treated. MR COATES INTERESTED He believed Mr. Coates was very interested. Mr. Coates wanted to see a ferry service between Melbourne and' the Bluff in order that people might arrange an itinerary from Melbourne via the Bluff to Auckland and depend on it to a day. Mr. Tyson urged delay in order to make further inquiries. Mr. Campbell: Why should there be a passenger service between Australia and the North Island and not between Australia and the South Island? The Prime Minister has said he is not going to leave the subject where it is. I hope we will let the North Island see we are alive to our interests. Mr. Park moved that a telegram of protest be forwarded to Mr. Coates. Mr. Campbell seconded Mr. Park’s motion which was carried and it was resolved that the executive should forward a reply to the head office of the Union Company.