MELBOURNE CENTENARY

Southland Times, Issue 22217, 9 January 1934, Page 5

MELBOURNE CENTENARY

PROPOSED SHIPPING SERVICE.

UNION COMPANY’S REPLY.

The fact that the Union Steam Ship Company was sympathetically considering a suggestion that arrangements should be made for a shipping service between Melbourne and Bluff and other South Island ports during the Melbourne centenary celebrations was conveyed in a letter received yesterday by Mr J. S. Dick, secretary of the Southland League, from Mr A. W. Wheeler, acting-managing director of the company.

At a recent conference of local bodies and progressive leagues convened by the league the following remit, sponsored by the Bluff Borough Council, was carried:—“That every endeavour be made to bring about the re-instate-ment of the Bluff-Melbourne passenger service at the earliest date possible, the re-establishment of this service being most essential in Southland’s interest and more so as the Melbourne Centenary is to be held in 1934.” With the remit was incorporated one brought forward bv the Bluff Progressive League:—“That it is desirable to press for a suitable cargo and passenger service between Bluff and Melbourne.” Mr Dick who wrote to the companj’ in accordance with the resolutions, has now recei ed the following replv: “We are in receipt of your favour inquiring whether my company contemplated making arrangements for a shipping service between Melbourne and Bluff and other South Island ports during the Melbourne Centenary celebrations. With so many factors ro be taken into consideration it is just a little early at present to give a definite reply to the question you ask. We may say, however, that we are fully alive to the importance of the matter, and it is now engaging our sympathetic interest. As soon as our inquiries are completed and we are in a position to say something more definite, we shall have pleasure in communicating with you again.”