TASMAN SHIPPING SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25091, 24 January 1947, Page 6

TASMAN SHIPPING SERVICE

SUGGESTED USE OF WAHINE VOYAGES MADE DURING WAR Alternative plans for a sea passenger service across the Tasman now that the Wanganelia is out of action are being discussed in Wellington. The use of the Wahine, after the arrival of the new steamer express Hmemoa, has been suggested; but no official information is available. The indications are that a decision will be announced soon. The Wahine made several round trips across the Tasman during the I war to relieve the congestion of waiting passengers. She was also used for | the carriage of troops in the islands on several occasions. On the Tasman voyage the limitations of her dining saloon and galley equipment, designed for the Cook Strait service, reduces the number of passengers from the 650 carried between Wellington and Lyttelton to about 300. Because Of the remodelling of the Rangatira to make her more efficient for the LytteltonWellington service, and the designing of the Hinemoa for this purpose, it is probable that the Wahine would be more suitable for the Tasman crossing. When the Hinemoa goes into the Lyttelton steamer express service early next month, the Wahine will be freed from the regular schedule, except when the other two ships are laid, up tor overhaul. 1