BLUFF SERVICE RESTORED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18353, 26 August 1929, Page 12

BLUFF SERVICE RESTORED.

REGULAR STEAMERS TO MELBOURNE. CONTRACT SIGNED BY UNION CO. By Telegraph—Pre«« Aiaoclation. WELLINGTON, August 24. The Government has accepted a tended from the Union Steam Ship Co. for a regular steam service between Dunedin, Bluff and Melbourne. The arrangement effected will enable a service to be provided by two steamers during the busy season in the summer months, and by one steamer during the shorter period of winter. The Prime Minister stated that there is to be a regular service between the South Island ports mentioned and Melbourne, at intervals of eight or ten days during the summer, while in the winter the interval between sailings would be longer. Although the specification provided for the possibility of a call at Hobart, this, explained the Prime Minister, has not been included in the contract now concluded with the Union Company for a term of two years. “The cost of reviving this important line of communication between the South Island and Australia has been fairly substantial,” Sir Joseph said, “but it is hoped that the improved facilities for trade and passenger traffic will cause such a good development in business that the result will fully justify the expenditure, and that the returns in due course will enable the cost to the country to be diminished.” The .service is to commence at an early date, which will be announced when a detailed schedule of sailings is completed.