OVERSEAS PASSENGERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3384, 22 January 1919, Page 58

OVERSEAS PASSENGERS

HOME PORTS AND AFRICA

DIFFICULTY IN GETTING PASSAGES.

WELLINGTON, January 16. A number of people who have, been stranded in New Zealand since the outbreak of the war, and are naturally desirous of' returning to the United Kingdom now that conditions aro normal, are at present experiencing great difficulty in. obtaining passages on Homeward-bound ships. Inquiries show that the shipping companies in New Zealand are being daily deluged with applications from intending passengers for Home ports, but the companies are unable to give the required accommodation, as only aboutf half the usual number of saloon berths are available. The repatriation of troops is really the cause of this serious portion. It must bo remembered that there is a considerable number of troops still in India who have to be taken Home, and the Imperial authorities have issued instructions to the Overseas Committee in New Zealand to secure practically all the accommodation on steamers leaving this country for England for the conveyance of troops. As nearly all the vessels at the present time are fitted for troops, the committee has instructed the shipping companies to reserve one half the saloon and all the second and third class accommodation in their steamers for that purpose. It is understood that from time, to time a clear ship will be leaving, so that some of those anxious to return to England may do so; but for a time there will be only a very limited number of berths, and those only in the saloon. The position is similar in regard to intending passengers for South Africa, of whom there are many. It is not known when these persons will have an opportunity of returning, but it will certainly not bo for some time.