TRIPS TO DOMINION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21921, 3 October 1934, Page 14

TRIPS TO DOMINION

810 LINEUS TO COME ORIENT AND P. AND 0. SHIPS NUMEROUS SUMMER CRUISES [rno.u OUR OWN courkspondknt] SYDNEY, Sept. 28 There Ims been a remarkable growth in the popularity of ocean cruises in big liners from Australian ports. It is only recently that the "cruise'' idea was extended to these waters, but so great has been their success that the shipping companies have made most elaborate plans for next summer. Ihis year the Orient and P. and 0. Lines will extend their plans to New Zealand. So phenomenal have been the bookings that the liner Oronsay, leaving Melbourne on December 17 for the Dominion, will be full ship. The Strathaird, the Strathnaver and the Otranto will leave for New Zealand in November, December and January respectively, liecause of the demand for cruises to New Zealand, the Strathaird and the Strathnaver will make additional trips nest Easter. The Orient liners going to New Zealand will take saloon and third-class passengers instead of limiting cruises to saloon booking as previously. Other Companies' Plans Several of the other shipping companies have planned special cruises to New Zealand during the coming summer and it would seem that New Zealand is destined to benefit greatly by an influx of Australian tourists. All the companies have been most active in competing for this special traffic, and most attractive advertisements have appeared in the press setting out the charms of New Zealand and directing attention to its many unusual features. At the new offices of the Dominion Trade Commissioner in Martin Place, in the very heart of Sydney, there is an attractive window display —a map of New Zealand outlined in Neon light with a representation of a modern liner beneath and an inscription urging every one to visit New Zealand. The New Zealand Government advertisements, published periodically in the newspapers, tell in glowing terms of the treats New Zealand holds in store for the tourist and it would seem that all this publicity is having the desired offect. It is anticipated that thousands of Australians will this year pay their first visit to New Zealand. Perhaps a better understanding between the two countries will be the sequel to this increased tourist traffic. Auckland and Wellington The liners will call at two points only, Auckland and Wellington, and in most cases the travellers will remain on the ship, and so miss the opportunity of seeing the country. One proposal put forward was that return tickets should be available by another liner, but if this concession were granted the British shipping companies would come into direct competition with the Union and Huddart-Parker Lines. This, it seems, they desire to avoid. As it is, scores of through railway tickets, Auckland to Wellington and vice versa have been sold at the New Zealand office in Sydney. _____________