STRANDED VISITORS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 89, 9 January 1919, Page 6

STRANDED VISITORS

J EFFORTS OF THE MAYOR ■ PROPOSAL TO SEND A STEAMER TO AUSTRALIA One of the chief concerns of the Mayor I at present is the appeal made to him by the Australians stranded :n this city awaiting a steamer to take them home to their own country. A deputation of the exiles waited on the Mayor yesterday morning to leum the results of his efforts on their behalf. Mr. Luke said that he was only too glad to do all in his power to .assist the stranded Australians in our city, but he thought it was the duty of the Government to take such action as would .make it possible for them to reach their homes. The Union Company had informed him that it was not possible for passages to be granted on cargo boats. There were no regulations against people travelling on these steamers, but there was difficulty 'about arranging accommodation. Those difficulties were not 'insurmountable, but the alterations that would have to 'be ina.de to provide accommodation on a cargo steamer for passengers, especially women,,- would be' considerable, and would require some time to out. It was impossible to accommodate' passengers on.overseas vessels, because there , was none sailing from New Zealand to Australia. He regretted that the Government had not put'the'Philomel at the disposal of.the Australians and so made the voyage a Government undertaking. He would be prepared to'communicate with the Prime Minister of tho Commonwealth to ask him to do his best to arrange for the dispatch of & vessel'from there with stranded New Zealanders on •board, and also with a cargo of wheat in the hold. But he would rather Bee a ship sail from here first. \ Members of the deputation thanked the Mayor for his efforts on their behalf. Suggestions were made that a transport or a vessel bound for Colombo might arrange to drop' the Australians at Port Philip. Some-Australians stranded in Auckland had secured passages on an overseas stean\er, but there had been no information in Wellington of such opportunities. , The Mayor said he would make .inquiries about the possibilities of. securing passages on overseas steamers or troop--1 ships. If Hierp was any chance of-a vessel leaving from Auckland it would be . possi'ble to arrange for the transport of the people to Auckland. Following ie the text of a telegram sent by the Mayor to Sir James Allen:—"Failed so fair with Union Compa'y. Have already seen Overseas Shipping Committee, to try and fix up oversea' vessel leaving New Zealand for Australian ports. No chance for several weeks. I strongly uirgn you make arrangements to eend Philomel as soon as possible. Have conferred with Captain Hall-Thompson, who is willing, subject to your order." .