NORFOLK ISLAND

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 255, 28 October 1929, Page 3

NORFOLK ISLAND

LAST OF MAUI POMARE.

SHIP SERVICE TO CEASE,

RESIDENTS CONCERNED,

The people of Norfolk Island are concerned at the prospect of the Government motor ship Maui Pomare being taken off the running, thus breaking their only direct link with New Zealand. Passengers who went out by th.e Maui Pomare on her last trip and ret%ied to Auckland this morning are the last to be able to book for the round trip. "We were all upset by the news," said a resident of the island, "and we are taking the matter up with the Government in the hope that the service rnay be retained."

Since the steamer underwent her extensive overhaul in Auckland three months ago she has consistently maintained her time-table to the South Pacific islands. The voyage which she completed to-day upon her return from Norfolk Island was one of the fastest on that run. She will leave here again on November 12 for Apia to load fruit for New Zealand.

"Remarkable progress- is being made at Norfolk Island," said an Auckland business man on his return. 'The banana plantations are in good condition and in this connection a number of kew Zealaders have in recent years been taking a keen interest. As far as is known, the Maui Pomare is to make only one more trip, and the announcement has been received with much concern by the islanders. When we left a few days ago they were hoping that the Government of New Zealand might be prevailed upon to continue the service."

Should this direct link with New Zealand be broken the Norfolk Islanders will be dependent upon vessels from Australia.

The Maui Pomare on this trip has brought 200 cases of bananas to Auckland.