THE DUNEDIN-BLUFF-MELBOURNE SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22268, 22 May 1934, Page 12

THE DUNEDIN-BLUFF-MELBOURNE SERVICE

TO THE EDITOa. Sir, —Your valuable paper has been placing before the people of this province expressions and opinions by various selfappointed leaders regarding the class of vessel which the Union Steam Ship Company is placing in the Dunedin-Bluff-Mel-bourne service during the summer time. I find it my duty ae a citizen to tell the people of Otago and Southland-* that they need not be concerned about what has been said. The twin screw gear turbine steamer Maheno is a first-class, vessel of her size and tonnage. To prove this to the public, let me say that the Maheno was chosen by all the experts during the war as a hospital ship. In her service of mercy the Maheno continued right through the war period, proving herself one of the best hospital ships afloat for her size and tonnage. When her service as a hospital ship was finished she was reconditioned and brought up to date with all the latest, improvements and ideas of passenger ships, but did the talkers take' into consideration that Dunedin and Bluff are what those responsible for the welfare of ships call tidal ports? Therefore, a vessel of the Afaheno class will lose less time than a much larger one.

This letter is not inserted for the purpose of continuing the controversy, but, •as I know something of ships, I feel it my duty to assure the travelling public that the Maheno is not the back number that the recent deputation would have us believe. King Solomon is credited with saying that he understood most things, but the way of ships was beyond his understanding. Perhaps theije is some excuse for the talkers!—l am, etc., Coll M'Donald.