THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1948 THE PAMIR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 3999, 28 May 1948, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1948 THE PAMIR

It will be a strange twist of i fate if the Pamir, taken from Finland as a wartime prize, has to be handed back to the Finns because the New Zealand Government cannot operate the vessel economically. In fact, the Pamir is proving a very expensive prize, her voyage in 1946 costing the taxpayers £17,787, and her present voyage not being likely to show a better result, due to the vessel being tied up until recently at the port of London for some weeks. There is some doubt also whether the Pamir could be operated efficiently as a New Zealand training ship.

This graceful vessel has an intrinsic interest that is fully appreciated but it is possible the consciences as well as the pockets of New Zealanders would be relieved were the vessel to bl returned to Finland. History judges the Finns very sympathetically ; these hard-working, virile and courageous people were never by thought or deed enemies of the British Empire. It was their misfortune to be caught helplessly between two totalitarian millstones and they have suffered cruelly from two wars that might have swamped for ever a less proud and virile nationhood. If the return of the Pamir will end a New Zealand embarrassment and will cheer the sea-loving Finns then by all means let the Government make this pleasing and welcome gesture.