A SUBSIDY FOR SHIPPING?

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22388, 29 April 1938, Page 3

A SUBSIDY FOR SHIPPING?

MELBOURNE TO SOUTH ISLAND

GOVERNMENT TO BE APPROACHED

(rasss association telbgbam.) INVERCARGILL, April 28. A decision to approach the Government and ask for a subsidy to make the South Island-Melbourne shipping service continuous was reached at a meeting of the Executive of the South Islands Travel Association to-day. Mr W. A. Ott, chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board, said that during the winter a smaller vessel would be put on “There are difficulties, but difficulties are made to be overcome,” he said. “The service should not be intermittent. The Union Steam Ship Company deserves every credit for the service it* is giving, and I am more convinced of that now that I nave seen the costs of running the service. The company is doing excellent wprk at substantial loss, and outside assistance is required.” In supporting the motion, Mr t. Clibborn (Lyttelton Harbour Board) endorsed the references to the Union Company. “The Travel Association should organise an important deputation to the Government to urge tne absolute necessity for a subsidy tor the South Island-Melboume service, he said. “I am sure the Union Company would do its best to meet the demand, but it is not reasonable to expect the company to run at a 10-S. We will not get justice for the Southland tourist resorts until the service is maintained. If the service is assisted, and the association carries on its work there will be an improving demand in Australia for South Island winter attractions—we think too much in terms of our summer attractions — but it can’t be developed without Government subsidy.” The Rev, E. T. Cox (Mayor of Dunedin): Why not go for a subsidy for a winter service? Mr Clibborn: There is a Ipss on the summer service, too. There is no subsidy on the service now. Mr J. J. W. Pollard (Director of the Association) said that the previous subsidy for a whole-year service with two boats was £36,000. When the Manuka was wrecked the service was carried on by one ship, and the subsidy was withdrawn.