MAIL SUBSIDY LAPSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 995, 11 June 1930, Page 9

MAIL SUBSIDY LAPSED

AUSTRALIA-SOUTH ISLAND MAHENO THE ONLY STEAMER The Government mail subsidy on the steamer service between Australia and the South Island seems to have lapsed since the Manuka was wrecked. The subsidy, which was to have been paid by the Post and Telegraph Department, was fixed at £36,000 a year. At present, however, the Union Steam Ship Company is being subsidised only at the old rate for one vessel. The 1-lon. J. B. Donald. PostmasterGeneral, stated today that he did not think any steps were being taken to replace the Manuka. When that vessel was wrecked the Government’s arrangement with the Union Company lapsed. The question would probably be reconsidered if another vessel were put on the run. In the original arrangement the Manuka and the Maheno were to run between Austi'alian and South Island ports. The Manuka was wrecked on December 16, and the Maheno then was the only vessel on the run. On May 20 she was taken off for overhaul, but no other steamer was put on in her place. On Saturday the Maheno will go into service again, sailing from Dunedin via Bluff for Melbourne. No statement that another steamer will replace the Manuka has been made by anyone concerned.