SHIPPING TO CHATHAMS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27473, 6 October 1954, Page 10

SHIPPING TO CHATHAMS

COMPLAINT ABOUT FACILITIES COMMENT BY COMPANY A complaint that because of inadequate shipping to the Chatham Islands there is a Shortage of some commodities, and that the next cargo vessel to put in at the islands may not have accommodation for passengers wanting to come to New Zealand, is Contained in a letter to the edi t°r of “Tlhe Press.” . Nearly three months have passed since any cargo has been transported to the Chatham Islands; and the residents are facing a shortage of commodities such as flour, diesel oil and Patrol, writes “A Correspondent.” On some of the sheep farms work is temporarily suspended because of these shortages; and this year more than one farmer has had to- postpone his crutching and cut down tractor work to a minimum until further stores arrive. Residents are also awaiting transport to the mainland, some for medical and dental treatment, others tor busmess reasons. Unfortunately •PA. these Persons, there is every pos«?n hty tl J at „ the cargo vessel which win eventually bring stores may not provide any passenger accommoda-

rrn , Reply by Company .this letter was referred to the genJTianager of Holm and Company, (Captain J. F. Holm), whose com.panys ships conduct a sea service to the Chatham Islands. The company is agent for the Tasman Empire Airways rSX 1C ® tO th ? A slands - Ca Ptain Holm’s reply is as fallows:— From time to time the shipping service to the Chatham Islands is the subject of criticism from people who ao not understand the circumstances, ana also from some who should know better. Some of the statements made in this regard could be described only as fantastic. For example, less than one year ago, there appeared a stateto the effect that thousands of cattle were destroyed every year at the islands because of lack of shipping s ® r YJ ce - On investigation, the source of the article was unable to substantiate that even one head of cattle had been destroyed for this reason. This example is reasonably typical of numstaten?ents regarding Chatham Island shipping, which seldom can be proved.

In order to assist with problems of tne island, shipping committees have been set up with which we work in close association, and, generally speaking, a feeling of harmony and satisfaction exists between our firm and the present committee. We would recommend that any complaint should be directed to this committee, the secytich may be f otmd at Box 339, Christchurch. Alternatively, if your correspondent would not object to writing direct to us, we would do our best to explain anything regarding the Chatham Island shipping service to him.

“Ilie last vessel making a trip to the island did so in early July, and as between that date and the present is; the slack period of the year for shipments to and from the island, it was clearly understood, as well as normal practice, that the next vessel would make a trip early in October. There could be no doubt that this fact was completely understood by all interested, and we should be very surprised to now that any of the residents are short of materials, as stated in your correspondent’s letter. If so, they must have organised their affairs extremely poorly. Repairs to Ship Unfortunately, the normal vessel engaged in this trade met with an accident, .which involves her remaining out of commission for repairs until early December,” says Captain Holm. * At considerable inconvenience to our firm, we have, however, arranged for a substitute ship to be made available, and we expect this vessel to leave for the islands in the middle of October, only one or two weeks later than , t, he ea rliest suggested original schedule. Under existing circumstances, we feel that the arrangement made should be the cause of congratulations rather than the opposite. “The substitute vessel has not passenger accommodation, and is unable therefore to cope with any passengers offering. We feel, however, that as the passenger traffic to and from the islands has in recent years been taken from us by the airways, the major obligation for the transporting of passengers should rest with them. “We shall nevertheless do our best to assist with both passengers and cargo, as we are well aware that only by a co-operative attitude can the numerous difficulties which beset the Chatham Islands trade be overcome, and a repetition of shipping conditions of the past avoided,” Captain Holm concludes.