DELAY IN BERTHING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22852, 6 October 1937, Page 14

DELAY IN BERTHING

MONTEREY AT SYDNEY PEOPLE'S HOLIDAY SPOILED SYDNEY, Oct. 5 The Sydney Morning Herald says eeveral passengers on the Monterey approached' the press to express disappointment at the awkward time at which the vessel arrived in Sydney. They pointed out that even if the vessel was not .capable of the Awatea's speed, they felt that she should have,berthed early yesterday morning. The Monterey entered the Heads after 1- p.m., and a long medical inspection followed. The vessel was tied up at the wharf ab/3.45 p.m., and this spoiled the afternoon for scores of Australians who had hoped to attend the Bandwick races.

That the Matson Line oould not be held responsible for the delay to the liner Monterey at Sydney, was the comment of the Auckland agents last evening. The timg taken for the ship to be cleared was considered to be out of * proportion to tho size of the port, the duty of which .should be to provide faster facilities. "The liner's late arrival at Sydney Was the' result of an exceptionally late sailing from Auckland, as the ship was delayed until midnight on Friday to keep" faith with importers in the city by discharging cargo," said a representative of the line. "As it was, the Monterey 'was forced to leave port with . a smalf amount of cargo not landed. With heavy cargoes arriving from time to time, and particularly when a very large consignment ~of fruit is concerned, a delay in departure cannot be helped.'- , -VL L li'was pointed out that as Monday was the Labour Day holiday in Sydney there was no incentive for the Monterey to make a crossing at a faster speed than scheduled. In any case, said the agent, it was likely that only a very small portion -of her 650 passengers would be disappointed at missing the Bandwick.race meeting. , - In conclusion it was stated that' remark's that the Monterey was- not capable of a faster speed were ; illconsidered, as there was practically; no difference in the routine voyages of the Matson liners; and the Awatea.