MELBOURNE STEAMER SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22826, 10 March 1936, Page 4

MELBOURNE STEAMER SERVICE

AN EXTENSION REFUSED . RESUMPTION IN NOVEMBER The following letter has been received by the secretary of the Otago Expansion League from the assistant general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, Ltd.; — “We arc in receipt of your favour of February 28 advising that the Executive Committeev ; ,of the -Otago Expansion League strongly urges us to reconsider our' decision to withdraw the Marama for >the winter months on March 20. We. note that it is Considered an additional round voyage would be profitable, but ‘we regret to tell you that in our opinion there is no prospect of this proving to be the case. Notwithstanding the improvement in patrbnage accorded the "Marama, due in part to the effects of the recent Australian shipping strike, the figures for tire vessel’s running, which are ,at present available for the period fronr November 7, 1035, to February IG, 1930* show a loss without any provision for the overhead items of interest and depreciation. The passenger bookings to and from Australia at present in hand-for travel subsequent to mid-March show! the,usual .seasonal falling away, and give no indication that an additional round voyage by the Marama is warranted. Wc arc doing our best to proviclcia passenger service which will give satisfaction to the people of the south, but compel us to have \ due''-regard for financial results. In these circumstances wc greatly regret that'we cannot see our way to act on your request, and we feel sure that the league will recognise the reasonableness of this decision. “We are pleased to note that you are able-to say the facilities offered by the Marama have been appreciated by the travelling, public," which is, encouraging to oiir intention to resume the service early in‘ November, next.”