TRANS-TASMAN TRAFFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 49, 27 February 1935, Page 6

TRANS-TASMAN TRAFFIC.

I note that the Union Company asserts that the Marama is being forced out of the trade between here and Australia by subsidised American ships. These vessels make a monthly trip and it would seem that the old Marama's most serious competitors are the company's own Monowai and the Huddart-Parker motor ship Wanganella. The former can maintain a three days' service and the latter is thoroughly up to date. I am not writing this solely'to criticise the company's propaganda, but rather to put forward a suggestion. We have tourist ships between here and the United Kingdom that eater for a class who are unable or disinclined to pay mail steamer fares. Could not the same principle be introduced with profit to the Union Company in the Tasman? If the Ma ram a provided a cheap crossing, would not an entirely new reservoir of tourists be tapped in both countries? Many thousands of Xew Zealanders who would like to spend a holiday in Australia, and Australians conversely in New Zealand, are deterred by the initial outlay in pasisasres. The suggestion should at least be worthy of serious thought by the management. SLEXDEE PURSE.