EXAGGERATED LANGUAGE

Evening Star, Issue 21725, 21 May 1934, Page 8

EXAGGERATED LANGUAGE

BLUFF'MELBfHJRNE SERVICE DUNEDIN CRITICISMS ANSWERED MINISTER MAKES INQUIRIES [Special to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, May 21. The Hon. A. Hamilton (PostmasterGeneral) since his return to Wellington from the south has taken up the questions raised by a Dunedin deputation which strongly criticised the use of the Maheno for reviving the Bluff-Mel-bourne service. Having consulted the authorities and secured a good deal of information, Mr ‘Hamilton, when questioned by your correspondent, said he was confirmed in his previously, expressed opinion that the views of the deputation regarding the Maheno, and a declaration that no service was preferable if it .involved the use of that steamer, was exaggerated language which was not justified by the actual facts, and would, if accepted as correct by the general public, prejudice the success of the venture before its inauguration. “ I have »noticed with interest,” added the Minister, “that during a discussion at the Otago Harbour Board meeting several members took exception to the extreme statements made at the deputation, and I have received a letter from the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce stating that while it strongly supports the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce in its views, it would not go so far as the_ latter when it expresses the opinion in favour of no service rather than the use of the Maheno. I am informed,” continued the Minister, “that this steamer’s cabins are more roomy than some of those on more modern boats, while the fact that she is a coal-burner is rather an advantage to New Zealand industry in these difficult times for our local miners. Port Chalmers will also reap a substantial advantage because a good many thousands will need to be spent to equip the Maheno for service. “ I have also looked into the point of the advisability of starting the service earlier, but there are no indica tions from the bookings on other routes that there will be an early rush to Melbourne. It is considered .by the shipping authorities That the suggested call at Hobart, involving a delay of about one and a-half days in getting to Melbourne, would tend to handicap the popularity of the service for the great majority of the passengers, who will be anxious to get promptly to Melbourne, or to New Zealand on the return journey. Present indications regarding the prospective traffic do not suggest that the Union Company is sure to make a profit on its enterprise, so that, taking all things into consideration, it is a matter for satisfaction that the service is to be given a trial with a steamer which, despite hasty criticism, will, I feel sure, be found quite reasonably good for the purpose. The company has- no other steamer available, and it comes down to the point that if the Maheno is not acceptable there would be no other method of reviving the_ service. It would, therefore, be advisable for all interested to co-operate in endeavouring to make the venture a success.” !