LATE SHIPPING

Evening Star, Issue 17720, 22 July 1921, Page 6

LATE SHIPPING

THE TASMANIAN TRADE. Referring recently to the statement that the steamers Manuka, Moeraki, and Paloona had been withdrawn from the Tasmanian trade owing to the operations of the Navigation Act, the Minister for Customs (Mr Massy Greene) said that, whatever the reason for the withdrawal, it did not appear to be on account of the provisions of the Navigation Act. Some time ago, Mr Greene stated, the Union Steam Ship Company placed the position of these vessels before him and requested that, in the interests of the continuance of the Tasmanian trade, some exemption should be granted them. It was pointed out that unless such exemption were granted the ships would terminate their voyages from New Zealand at Sydney. On June 9 the company asked for exemption in respect of certain accommodation for the crew, the provision of which was giving rise to some difficulty. The natural inference to be drawn from such a request was that if the exemption were granted the steamers would continue in the service. It was decided, in view of the circumstances, to grant the exemption asked for, and the company was advised to this effect on June 21'. Mr Greene was therefore unable to understand why it was now reported that the vessels had been withdrawn from the service on account of the provisions of the Navigation Act.