Tasman Transport Of Yearlings Assured

Press, Volume C, Issue 29682, 28 November 1961, Page 4

Tasman Transport Of Yearlings Assured

'"/'he Press’’ Special Service

WELLINGTON, Nov. 27. Problems, which were confronting the vendors and auctioneers at the National Yearling Sales in January, over the transport of yearlings to Australia have been resolved. The Union Steam Ship Company, Ltd., the New Zealand agent for the new owners of the Wanganella, has advised the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association that the vessel will continue on the Tasman run in 1962. . Two months ago it was announced that the Wanganella might be withdrawn from service at the end of December. The vessel was the remaining regular sea transport link between New Zealand and Australia and was the principal means of conveying yearlings purchased by Australian buyers at the Trentharn sales. When the president (Mr T. C. Lowry) returned from the

second Asian Racing Conference held in Singaipore in October, he told the council of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association he had been assured by a Dutch shipping line it would make a vessel or vessels available when necessary. This company owns a freighter, which has accommodation for 200 horses, and a few months ago transported this number to India in a single shipment. At the same time the Union Steam Ship Company informed the sales auctioneers that it had 13 freighters trading between New Zealand and Australia, which had an aggregate carrying capacity of about 150 horses, the largest taking 20 and the smallest six or seven. The company estimated that between them. these vessels could comfortably carry all Australian-pur-chased yearlings and have them delivered within the time it took in. former years when a frequent shipping service was available with the Wanganella and the Monowai. The maximum capacity of the Wanganella is 37 horses and she makes two trips a month. Last year the Wanganella was not loaded to horse capacity on the two trips she made immediately after the sales because many of the Australian buyers prefer to leave their purchases in New Zealand on assignment for a few months. As the Australians usually buy between 100 and 120 yearlings each year, the Wanganella could move the lot in four voyages without any help from other vessels.