EASTERN PACIFIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 3655, 1 April 1924, Page 65

EASTERN PACIFIC.

FASTER CARGO SERVICES

WELLINGTON, March 24

A faster and better equipped vessel for the Cook Island and Eastern Pacific trade, the Ngakuta, will take up the new cargo service commencing from April 8. The Ngakuta, which replaces the Wnaaka, will in her first voyage avoid the “dead” run which has in the past caused a great deal of uncertainty in the lower Cooks —that is. she will visit Raratonga, Mangaia, and Mitutaki only, returning to Auckland direct. Up to the present it has been necessary for the Union Company’s cargo boats which maintain what is known as the Eastern Pacific run from Auckland, and which cater for the Cook Islands to make a “dead” run from Raratonga, thence to one or other of the lower Cooks, thence to Papeete and Raiaka (Society Group), thence to Makatea, where they pick up phosphorus. returning by way of Papeete through the lower Cooks, again to Raratonga and back to Auckland.

There were alwavs great possibilities for delay after the steamer had made the “dead” run to the islands of the lower Cooks where she proposed to work cargo on the trip. However, the islanders were required to take the risk of delay and get their cargoes of bananas or oranges ready about the time they were warned the steamer would return.

An additional advantage besides cutting out the “dead” run will be the establishment shortly of wireless at Mangaia and Aitutaki. The plant is now in Wellington, and will go forward by the Maunganui to Raratonga. where it will be overhauled by the superintendent, who will proceed immediately to the two islands in company with the overseer of the public works and install them. This will assist enormously in reducing the running costs and in preventing waste, as shippers at the islands will be kept in constant communication with the steamer ns she progresses through the group and will know to within an hour or two when she may be expected.