AWATEA NOT TO RACE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 231, 30 August 1937, Page 11

AWATEA NOT TO RACE.

STATEMENT BY COMPANY. WELLINGTON, Aug. 30. * The .Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, Ltd., stated last night that while the trans-Tasman liner Awatea’s speed capabilities would be tested on a suitable occasion, it had no intention of allowing the vessel to enter on a race with the Matson liner Mariposa, when the two vessels leave Auckland for Sydney this week. Racing was forbidden by the company’s regulations for the best of reasons, it was stated. It was with the object of keeping the two vessels clear of one another that the Awatea’s sailing time from Auckland next Friday had been changed from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Mariposa was at that time scheduled to leave Auckland at 5 p.m. on the same day for Sydney, but her time of departure has since also been altered to 10 p.m.

A message from Sydney on Saturday stated that prior to the Awatea sailing, Captain A. H. Davey said he had not been officially informed of the proposed five hours’ delay in the Awntea’s departure from Auckland next Friday to-coincide with the departure of the Mariposa, but he would welcome it, because it would put the vessel on her mettle and give her the opportunity of showing her prowess.