THE AWATEA AT SYDNEY

Southland Times, Issue 23001, 22 September 1936, Page 7

THE AWATEA AT SYDNEY

Important Event In

Shipping

BRITAIN’S FIGHT IN THE PACIFIC DOMINIONS’ SUPPORT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.10 p.m.) Sydney, September 21. Addressing guests aboard the Awatea, the Union Steam Ship Company’s new liner which arrived to-day on her first trans-Tasman voyage, the Australian Minister of Commerce (Dr Earle Page), said that British shipping companies were intent upon maintaining the supremacy of the British flag on both the Atlantic and the Pacific. Thus the Queen Mary and the Awatea were of extraordinary importance.

The Minister added that the Commonwealth Government had done everything in its power to ensure that on the Pacific the supremacy of the British flag should be maintained as far as possible. He learned by inquiry that the Matson Line (U.S.A.) had not taken away passengers from Australian and New Zealand lines, but had induced new passengers by their extra facilities and comfort. Australia could encourage no better industry than travel and the tourist industry; those who came first as tourists would return as traders. The Awatea’s trip took 61hr 45min., compared with the Mariposa’s (Matson Line) record of 58hr 7min. “The Awatea is a wonderful ship,” said the master (Captain A. H. Davey). “On the voyage from New Zealand we used only four of the six boilers. No attempt was made on the record, but I have no doubt that she will be able to take it when the occasion arises.” AMERICAN AIR SERVICE TO MANILA FIRST FLIGHT ON OCTOBER 21. (Rec. 8.10 p.m.) New York, Sept. 20. Pan-American Airways announced to-day that its regular trans-Pacific service between San Francisco and Manila would begin next month. The first passengers would embark at San Francisco on October 21 and would land six days later after a flight of five stages. The return flight is scheduled to begin on October 29.