THE STRANDED AUSTRALIANS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 88, 8 January 1919, Page 4

THE STRANDED AUSTRALIANS

BELIEF SOUGHT. About thirty residents of Australia, representative of all classes, who Are stranded in Wellington by tlhe absence of intercolonial passenger steamers,'yesterday waited twice on the Mayor (Mr. .T. P. Luke) to ask his assistance to obtain, passages baok across the Taema'n. Their predicament was fully underetood by Mr. Luke, who at once communicated with the Government 'and the Union Company to ask what can be' done in the way of relief. Mr. Luke has urged that immediate steps be takon to convey the stranded Australians back to the Commonwealth per tarjfo boats, and 'has pointed out that temporary accommodation could be quickly provided in view of tho snecial circumstances. Failing*the Union Company being able to come to an agreoniont on this proposal, Mr. Luko has urged Sir James Allen to charter a steamer jointly with the Government of tho Commonwealth for the trip to Australia and back to New Zealand, or from Australia to Now Zealand and back. Action on tho lines suggested, Mr. Luke points out, will relieve a very difficult and trying- position for a great number of people. In reply to Mr. Luke, Sir .Tames Allen has-telegraphed: "Your telegram received. I should be only too glad to assist the stranded Australians to secure a pnesngo to Australia, but the difficulty is to arrange for shipping. I am repeating to Mr. Kennedy, of the Union Company, yonr telegram to me asking him to be so kind ae to personally ascertain from the Overseas Shipping Committee whether any cargo or passenger ship can possibly be found to take tho stranded Australians to their homes and to bring back any New Zealanders in Australia desiring to return here, and incidentally to bring back a cargo of wheat, etc."