BLUFF-MELBOURNE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 118, 21 May 1934, Page 9

BLUFF-MELBOURNE.

NEW SHIPPING SERVICE. AXSW.ER TO CRITICISM. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Postmaster-General, the Hon. A. Hamilton, since his return to Wellington from the South has taken up the question raised by a Dundein deputation which strongly criticised the us* of the Maheno for reviving the 'Bluff-Mel-bourne service. Having consulted the authorities and secured a goo.l deal of information, Mr. Hamilton, vyhen questioned by.,the "Star" correspondent, said he was' confirmed in his previously expressed opinion that the views of the deputation regarding the Maheno, and a declaration that no service was preferable if it involved the use of thot steamer, were exaggerated and not justified by the facts, and would, if accepted as correct by the general public, prejudice the success of the venture befoie its inauguration.

"I am informed," continued the Minister, "that this steamer's cabins are inure roomy than some of those on more modern boats, while the fact that she is ji coal-burner is rather an advantage to New Zealand industry in these difficult times for our coal miners. Port Chalmers will also reap a substantial advantage because a good many thousands will need to be spent to equip the Maheno for service. "I have also looked into the point of the advisability of starting the service earlier, but there are no indications from the bookings on other routes that there will be an early rush to Mel : bourne. It is considered by the shipping authorities that the suggested call at Hobart, involving a delay of about one day and a. half in getting to Melbourne, would tend to handicap the popularity of the service for the groat majority of the passengers, who will be anxious to get promptly to Melbourne, or to New Zealand on the return journey. "Present indications regarding the prospective traffic do not suggest that the Union Company is sure to make a profit on its enterprise, so that taking all things into consideration, it is a matter for satisfaction that the service is to be given a trial with a steamer which, des-pite hasty criticism will, I feel sure, be found quite reasonably good for the purpose. The company hae no other steamer available, and it comes down to the point that if the Maheno is not acceptable, there would be no other method of reviving the service. It would, therefore, be advisable for all interested to co-onerate in endeavouring to make the venture a success."