LOSS OF PASSENGER SERVICE BY SEA TO N. AMERICA LIKELY

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 September 1950, Page 3

LOSS OF PASSENGER SERVICE BY SEA TO N. AMERICA LIKELY

AUCKLAND, Sept. 7 (PA).—The possibility that the sea passenger service between New Zealand and the North American Pacific Coast may be severed almost completely is mentioned in a cable message received today from San Francisco. The message states that it is believed the United States Navy wants the American Government to purchase the Matson Navigation Company’s passenger liners Mariposa and Monterey for use as troop transports. The ships are at present laid up at San Francisco awaiting re-conversion to peace-time accommodation. With the pending withdrawal of the Canadian-Australasian liner Aorangi from the run late next January, the passenger trade may then be conducted by the three airlines running to San Francisco or Vancouver and by the cargo ships of the Canadian Union Line and the Union Steam Ship Company. The latter carry about 12 passengers each and maintain a monthly service with calls at most, or all, of the ports of Vancouver. San Francisco, San Pedro, Apia, Papeete and Rarotonga.