TASMAN LINERS

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1937, Page 9

TASMAN LINERS

ARE THEY RACING ? Awatea and Monterey DENIAL BY MASTERS. |Per Press Association], AUCKLAND, August 6. In spite of assurances by the Mastters of both ships and by their Companies that it was not. intended that the liners Awatea and Monterey should have a speed match on their present crossing from Auckland to Sydney, unusual interest was taken m the sailings of both ships this evenThe Awatea cleared the harbour limits at 5.20 p.m., and the Monterey cleared port at 9.10 p.m. The Master of the Awatea, Captain A. H. Davey, said that he did not entertain any intention to race the Matson liner, as racing was forbidden by the Union Company s regulations. ‘T never stop to pick daisies, however,” was his comment. Because the instructions to the Matson Line Masters were against unnecessary speeding, no endeavour would be made by him to reach Sydney before the Awatea, declared Captain E. R. Johanson, the Master ot. the Monterey. “Our maximum speed will be 20.5 knots, and no circumstances will prompt me to exceed that,” he said. Both of the shipping companies have pointed out that nothing is gained in arriving at Sydney in the early morning, and they have been emphatic declaring that the possibility of a speed duel would be uneconomic and unnecessary. It is probable that the Tasman crossing will be marked by rough weather. and the discomfort caused to the passengers by travelling, at high speeds through such conditions is another factor that is held to militate against, the suggestion of a race. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l SYDNEY, August 6.

The “Herald” says that shipping circles are speculating as to whether the Awatea and the Monterey, leaving Auckland to-day. will race across the Tasman. x ■ The “Herald” adds: To Australians and New Zealanders, the speed record for the. Tasman has had great significance ever since the sailing ship days, and all would like to see it recaptured by a British ship. It should only be a matter of time before the Awatea secures the honour. A record crossing this week-end, however, is unlikely, as the Tasman is in a turbulent mood.