BLUFF SERVICE

Evening Post, Issue 60, 11 March 1936, Page 6

BLUFF SERVICE

MARAMA SHOWS A LOSS

WITHDRAWAL FOR WINTER

(By Telegraph) (Special to the "Evening Post.")

DUNEDIN, March 10.

A loss on 'their Bluff-Melbourne1 passenger, service1 is revealed by the Union.-'Steam. Ship Co. in a . letter declining the Otago ExpansionLeague's request for reconsideration of the ■decision to withdraw the Marama: for; the wmter months after her present trip 'from Melbourne. The replystates:1 "

"We.npte it is considered that, an additional-, round.. voyage would be prbfilaplo-but we'regret to tell you that."in. ■our opinion there is no prospect of this proving to be so. Notwithstanding the improvement in patronage accorded the Marama, due in part to the effects of the-recent Australian shipping strike, figures for the vessel's running which are at present available, viz., for the period from November,,, 7, 1935 to February 16, 1936, show a.'loss: without any provision for the overhead items of interest and de-; preciatipfl;; The passenger bookings to and;frorri,Australia at present in hand, for travel subsequent to mid-March show the usual seasonal falling away and give no indication that an additional round voyage by the Marama is warranted. * ..

"We are doing our best to provide a 'passenger' service which will give satisfaction to the people of the south but circumstances compel us to have due regard for financial results. We are pleased to note that: you are able to say that the facilities offered by the Marama have been appreciated-by the travelling public which is encouraging to our intention to resume the service early in November next";?.,