NORFOLK ISLAND TRADE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 924, 18 March 1930, Page 10

NORFOLK ISLAND TRADE

RETENTION OF MAUI POMARE URGED AUCKLAND MERCHANTS’ MOVE * ——- —- A further effort to' induce the Gov- j eminent to retain the Maui Pomare ! in the Auckland - Norfolk Island trade ; is to be made by Auckland merchants j through the Chamber of Commerce. This decision was the outcome of a meeting of traders called by the chamber, and held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms yesterday. Mr. M. Stewart, president of the Chamber of Commerce, occupied the chair. The future of the Maui Pomare was referred to by Mr. Stewart, who explained that the department controlling the vessel had announced that the trip on which she was now engaged would be the last to Norfolk Island. Her future itinerary would be Niue, Samoa, Auckland, and Wellington, and South Island ports alternately. The chamber had communicated with other shipping interests, including the owners of the Hinemoa, to conduct a service to Norfolk Island, but in each case owners had replied that such a service would not pay, or they were unable to arrange for a steamer. The chamber, however, be--I'eved there was a possibility of arranging for freight for an auxiliary boat, but this vessel would not run I to any time-table, and would be spasj modic. j He considered that, as the Governj ment had built up the Island trade, j which was principally exports from I New Zealand, so well, it should fur- | ther consider the possibility of retaini ing the Maui Pomare service. The | ship was well equipped for cargo, had | good passenger accommodation, and. jin his opinion, the development of | trade was going to be very good. Over j the last 12 months the Maul Pomare’s | average cargo a trip was 105 tons out- | ward and 25 tons inward, and 36 passengers outward and 3S inward, j He and other members of the cliam- | her had interviewed the Minister of j Industries and Commerce, who had stated that Cabinet would not consider granting any subsidy to a private firm for the Norfolk Island trade. On the motion of Mr. A. C. Norden, the meeting unanimously passed a resolution to the effect that, as the Government had instituted the service to Norfolk Island, and had refused to subsidise private enterprise to continue it, the Auckland merchants' request the Government to maintain the running of the Maui Pomare, thereby continuing a trade very essential to New Zealand traders, and of large assistance in running the ship. Copies of the resolution are to be forwarded to the Minister of Industries and Commerce; the Prime Minister; and the Minister of Health. In the event of an unfavourable reply, a deputation is to be sent to the Government.