HIKURANGI SAILS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1022, 12 July 1930, Page 10

HIKURANGI SAILS

ATTEMPT TO REVIVE NORFOLK TRADE LITTLE CARGO The small steamer Hikurangi -was dispatched for Norfolk Island yesterday afternoon in an attempt, to revive trade between the island and Auckland. Four days ago the vessel's owners, James Smith and Co. decided to try her on the run, and in the short time that intervened before her departure, only a few orders were received for the shipping of cargo, and those from the island itself, by cable. The result was that the Hikurangi took only 80 tons, which means that she will make the trip at a considerable loss, even if she gets a fair return cargo. it is hoped that the Government will encourage the owners in their attempt to revive the trade by granting a small subsidy, at least during the early stages of the endeavour, for without that, the vessel must he operated at a loss, unti the trade which has been diverted to Australia is regained. In the course of time, with the securing of good cargoes from Auckland, and from the island on return trips, the Hikurangi will be able to operate at a reasonable profit, hut till then at a loss. Unless assistance is forthcoming it is unlikely that she will be sent on any trips after the next, which will take place in a/ month’s time. It was intended to make the service a monthly one if suffiicent inducement offered. The fact that the Hikurangi cannot take passengers means that she loses a large amount of profit that the Maui Pomare and the Hinemife gained.

When the service was run continuously by the New Zealand Government with the Hinemoa and the Maui Pomare the value of merchandise dispatched from Auckland to Norfolk during 12 months was £30,000. If the service is abandoned that trade is lost to Auckland merchants and is transferred to Australia, which has a regular service with Norfolk Island.