WELLINGTON PROTEST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 February 1941, Page 2

WELLINGTON PROTEST

LOSS OF TASMAN SERVICE. DEMAND FOR REROUTING OF SHIPS. <By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. “By the withdrawal of the Maunganui from the Wellington-Sydney run. Wellington is left without a direct Australian passenger service and with a cargo service dependent solely on cargo vessels,” said the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Mr R. H. Nimmo. at a meeting of the council of the chamber last night. A deputation had discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, and the Minister of Marine. Mr Semple, who had undertaken to make a full investigation, said Mr Nimmo. The deputation had stated that there were four vessels plying between Australia and Auckland and had suggested that one of them should be re-routed to go to Auckland —Australia-Welling-ton on one trip and Wellington-Aus-tralia-Auckland the next.

“It is utterly ridiculous that Wellington should not have a service, unless a war emergency makes that impossible. and I don’t believe that is the case at present.” said Mr Nimmo. Mr F. Wilson suggested that the chamber should ask for the support of the city council, the harbour board, and organisations in the South Island, which, he said, was just as vitally concerned.

The secretary. Mr E. M. Bardsley, said he had already written to South Island organisations and it was decided to seek the support of the city council and the harbour board.