SOUTHERN MAIL SHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 141, 17 June 1929, Page 17

SOUTHERN MAIL SHIPS.

INSTITUTION OF SERVICE. MR. COATE-S' CLAIM REFUTED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) IXVERCARGILL, Sunday. A statement made by the Right Hon. •J. G. Coate≤ at Invereargill on Thursday, that the Reform Government had taken the initiative in connection with the proposed Bluff-Melbourne steamer service, was the subject of a telegram sent by the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle to the Prime Minister. Sir Joseph Ward has replied as follows: — 'Xo definite assurance to institute a South Island service with Australia was ever given publicly or otherwise by the previous Government. I have looked up the files, which show that Cabinet decided, on September S, to leave the matter in abeyance for six months. In November the Du.ned.in Chamber of Commerce asked the then Prime Minister to receive a deputation from various public bodies in regard to the matter. This letter was acknowledged on December 4 by Mr. Coates, who replied to the effect that there had been no opportunity, owing to extreme pressure of business, to arrange an appointment, and that owing to changed circumstances —presumably the result of the elections —the matter would be held over in the meantime."