BLUFF AUCKLAND SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 59

BLUFF AUCKLAND SERVICE.

REPRESENTATIONS TO UNION

COMPANY

SIX MONTHS’ TRIAL PROBABLE. (From Odr Own Correspondent.} INVERCARGILL, October 24.

Sir James Mills’e attitude. with regard to the Bluff-Auckland steamship service, a£ the result of the representations made by the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce to the Union Steam Ship Company, was announced at a meeting of the committee yesterday, when the president, Mr T. D. A. Moffett, reported that, as instructed, the members of the deputation appointed by the chamber went to Dunedin and waited upon Sir James Mills, who had given them every attention. While ho would not give any direct promise he gave the members of the deputation to ‘understand that he recognised that the conditions of trade were changed, and possibly justified a boat being put on. Mr A. F. Hawke stated that Sir James Mills had been asked to put on a ten-day service between Bluff and Auckland. They asked that two email boats be put on to make a ten-day connection. Mr Aitkcn was opposed to the suggestion, but they nevertheless asked for it, and ho (Mr Hawke) had since learned that their request would probably be acceded to from March for a period of six months. The Traffic Manager had wanted to stipulate for a two months’ trial, but the members of the deputation asked for six months or nothing. Mr Hawke, who is chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board, mentioned incidentally that personally lie would lika to see all coastal boats freed from port dues. He thought the service they had suggested would meet all requirements The Chairman expressed his satisfaction with the prospects.