LOST BANANA CARGO

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 454, 8 September 1928, Page 14

LOST BANANA CARGO

SIR MAUi SAYS SHIP WAS RIGHT “BEST TYPE OBTAINABLE” (THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter > WELLINGTON. To-day. The loss of a large quantity of fruit on the recent trip of the motor-vessel, Maui Pomare, was referred to during the discussion on the Cook Islands estimates in the House of Representatives. . _ , The first to refer to the misfortune was Sir John Luke, to whom Sir Maui Pomare replied that the loss of the fruit had undoubtedly been most unfortunate. Some people, however, seemed inclined to crow about it, and to be glad that it had happened. This was peculiar, as the ship was the best type that could be obtained. A thorough investigation had been made beforehand. Just because there had been misfortune with one lot of cargo there should not be undiminished satisfaction that at last the right type of vessel had been obtained. Apparently the loss was partly due to the machinery. He could not say for certain as the inquiry was* not yet finished. Mr. P. Fraser asked what facts the Minister had with regard to the charges made by Professor Macmillan Brown, to the effect that the machinery was of the wrong type. Sir Maui: The loss may have been partly due to the machinery and also to the cargo. Of course, I’m not a brilliant man like Professor Macmillan Brown, but I have a great respect for him. The question of wages paid to Island seamen on the Maui Pomare, and of Sunday loading at Niue, were also raised and answered, Sir Maui stating with regard to the seamen that they were being adequately paid.