CUT SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 20516, 19 June 1928, Page 7

CUT SERVICE

MELBOURNE TO BLUFF

MANUKA WITHDRAWN FOR OVERHAUL DUNEDIN BUSINESS MEN PROTEST (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, June 18. At to-night’s meeting of the Chamber of Commerce the question of a better service between Melbourne and Bluff was discussed. The secretary reported that he had telegraphed to the general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company protesting against the service between New Zealand and Melbourne being carried on by cargo steamers during the overhaul of the Manuka. The reply of the manager of the company was that the annual overhaul was required by the Marine Department and must be observed. The date of the resumption of the running of the steamer could not be definitely determined until the overhaul was under way. The writer added that the company was unable to agree that New Zealand interests would be seriously affected by the arrangement as cargo opportunities were being provided and the few passengers concerned at this season of the year had alternative routes. The chairman: I understand the Prime Minister has been communicated with.

Mr Campbell: Yes, and he said he would look into the matter and report later. Mr Campbell went on to say that the line from Bluff to Melbourne was good at one time, but through the action of the Union Company it had fallen off. Now that the vessel was being laid up for some months the run might as well be discontinued altogether. He hoped the chamber would protest against the way the southern port of New Zealand was being treated. He had sketched out the following telegram to be sent to Mr Coates: The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce again brings before your notice the question of the service between the South Island ports and Melbourne as it is now being carried on by the Union Company. The present service is so irregular that the travelling public can at no time make out an itinerary and now the Manuka is to be withdrawn for her periodical overhaul and no other passenger steamer is to replace her. The chamber emphatically protests against this treatment and looks to you to see that common justice is done to the people of the southern part of New Zealand.

He said he believed that Mr Coates was very interested in the matter. Mr Coates wanted to see a ferry service between Melbourne and the Bluff in order that people might arrange an initerary from Melbourne to Bluff to Auckland and depend on it to a day.

Mr Tyson urged delay in order to make further inquiries. Mr Campbell: Why should there be a passenger service between Australia and' the North Island and not between Australia and the South Island? The Prime Minister has said he is not going to leave the matter where it is. I hope we will let the North Island see we are alive to our interests.

Mr Park moved that the telegram read by Mr Campbell be forwarded to Mr Coates. Mr Campbell seconded Mr Park’s motion, which was carried. It was resolved that the executive should forward a reply to the head office of the Union Company.