MODERNISING OF LINERS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24867, 6 May 1946, Page 4

MODERNISING OF LINERS

PROPOSALS OF MATSON COMPANY

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, May 5. At a cost of 6,000,000 dollars for each vessel, three Matson liners—the Monterey, the Mariposa, and the Lurline—are to be completely reconverted and modernised before they return from United States Government control to the Pacific passenger service. The liners, which each cost about 8,000,000 dollars when built about 15 years ago, will return to the trade in new condition. * These details of the Matson Navigation Company’s post-war plans, and an indication that the line might enter the Pacific cargo service to New Zealand, were revealed by it% president (Mr F. A. Bailey) at the annual meeting of stockholders at San Francisco on Thursday. The Auckland agents (Messrs Henderson and Mscfarlane. Ltd.) received details of the proposals on Saturday and the manager (Mr A. E. Plavla) said it seemed reasonable to expect that the regular service would be resumed probably by February. A total of 18,000,000 dollars will be spent on the three liners when they are returned by the United States Government to the Matson Company for commercial operations. In his address to stockholders, Mr Bailey said he anticipated the release of the Lurline within 30 days, but the Mariposa and Monterey would probably be held in the Government service for several additional months. Each ship would be laid up for six months during Reconversion. The Matsonia, the fourth member of the Matson passenger fleet, has just been released by the Government. end will be used for an interim service in the Hawaiian trade, while the remaining liners are being converted.