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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 218, 19 October 1914, Page 6

It seems rather extraordinary that a steamer service which has been main l tained almost without a break for about thirty years between Melbourne, Hobart, and the Bluff should be abandoned by the Union Steam Ship Company on the ground that the freights offering do not warrant its continuance. Southern merchants are naturally very much perturbed, and the company has been approached to restore communication. It is quite conceivable that expensive vessels of the Ulimaroa or Maraina class cannot earn their keep on the southern route, but surely -something could be done with steamers like the Warrimoo or the Monowai, particularly in the summer months. It is a serious matter for Otago and Southland to lose regular communication with Melbourne, and if the Union Company is not disposed to resume sailings, probably some other shipping, concern may be tempted to cut in.