MELBOURNE TO BLUFF

Southland Times, Issue 23141, 6 March 1937, Page 8

MELBOURNE TO BLUFF

CONTINUOUS SERVICE

WANTED deputation to minister Requests that the Government make an endeavour to restore the direct and continuous shipping service between Australia and South Island ports, principally a regular Bluff-Melbourne service, were made to the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hom D. G. Sullivan) by a deputation at Blutt yesterday. Mr James Hargest, M.F., introduced the deputation, which consisted of the Rev. A. E. Waite, Mayor of Bluff, and the Hon. T. F. Doyle, M.L.C. , , Mr J. Hargest referred to the loss ot trade between Australia and New Zealand because of the absence of a regular service. The tremendous possibilities in the export of grain and timber were apparent, he said. During a visit to Australia he was assured by business men that they would take a good deal of Southland’s produce ffit were available by direct streamer. The saving in freight charges was a big item which influenced shippers. Mr Waite said that there was very serious loss to the South Island of New Zealand because of the absence of a continuous direct service from Melbourne to Bluff. There had been many complaints about tourists visiting New Zealand and not coming to the South Island, and theatrical companies would not come south because they could not do so without incurring the extra expense of doubling back on their tracks. If there were a continuous direct service, these disadvantages would be eliminated. Modern Vessel Suggested Mr Doyle said he considered that the service should be a continuous one. The Marama, the vessel at present on the Bluff-Melbourne run, was an old vessel with accommodation not just the best. He thought that the Government and the Union Steam Ship Company might be able to do something about putting a modern vessel on the service. It had been 'well patronized in the past, both from a passenger and a cargo point of view, but Southland was at a serious disadvantage through the lack of continuity in the service. There was a time when two vessels were regularly on the run and Bluff was able to export hundreds of sacks of oysters to Australia on each run. Now the number exported would not amount to that much in a season. It was a big disadvantage not to have a vessel running all the year round. The company had said the trade was not there, but he could not agree with that. There had not been any real reason why the service was discontinued during the winter months. It was really a shame that the company would not put on a good service. It was urgently needed for the development of trade between Australia and the South Island. If the Government could do anything in the matter it would be giving a vital service to the South Island, and also one of national importance. South Island’s Difficulties In reply the Minister said he was in sympathy with the request. He understood the difficulties which affected the South Island through the lack of a direct shipping service. It was not only this particular service, but there were others, too. The South Island was outside the service of international trade. It was a great disadvantage and one which must contribute greatly to holding back the development of the South Island. Referring to the part of the shipping interests, Mr Sullivan said that the companies maintained that the service was uneconomical, but he had not had an opportunity of studying the figures they had submitted or whether they could be substantiated. Their attitude was that the service was not profitable and would become less profitable if extended over the winter months. “I have been interested in the position for a number of years,” added the Minister, “and I will, now that I have the figures, ask the Marine Department to investigate them and report on the effect a continuous service would have on the trade. I propose to have the position thoroughly examined, and if we can find a way to overcome the difficulty, the Government will be happy indeed to find a way out.”