Islands Ships

Sailing Schedules Unfixed and Uncertain Discussion Between B.P. and Federal Government

From Our Own Correspondent CANBERRA, April 11.

Negotiations are still pro ceeding between the Federal Government and Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co. Ltd., for an improved Islands service, and it is expected that a representative of the Com pany will visit Canberra to discuss the position in detail. The wreck of the Malabar, off Long Bay has rather complicated the situation.

Under the mail contract entered into with the Company it was provided that the Malabar (which was engaged in the Singapore trade) or an equivalent vessel, was to be introduced into the Islands service to replace the Montoro, which runs to New Guinea. This was to take effect not later than April 1, 1932, and after that the position was to be further reviewed.

The s.s. Macdhui, built to the order of Burns, Philp and Co., is now on her way out and will be here nearly ahead of the contract requirements for the Islands. The Company made certain proposals for the introduction of the Macdhui into the Pacific Islands ser vice, but these proposals, which have received a lot of consideration, were not acceptable to the Papuan and New Guinea administrations.

The Company’s plan was that this vessel, being faster than those at present engaged on the run, might combine the Papuan and New Guinea services. To that the Territories are opposed and the Minister has, there fore, rejected the proposal. It is under stood that the company is about to submit new proposals.

At present, the Morinda runs to Port Moresby and the Montoro to Rabaul.

The people of New Guinea are anxious that the vessel which replaces the Montoro shall provide an improved service, whereas a combined service by the Macdhui would, they say, mean higher fares and generally be less satis factory than is the present position.

In addition to the Morinda and the Montoro, the Marsina has been making a three-weekly trip to the Islands and then calling at Norfolk Island for ban ana shipments to Sydney. The Marsina has now been diverted to the Solomons to take over the running of the Mat aram, which met with a mishap and has been towed to Sydney for repairs.

In regard to the more direct Nor folk Island service, provided by the Makambo, it was understood that in the re-arrangement of the services a better boat than this would be put on the run.

Norfolk Island is definitely to benefit in the re-arrangement, but the present proposals (which, as stated, have come a year ahead of contract time) have been vetoed.

Another matter that is receiving con sideration is the resumption of the service between Norfolk Island and New Zealand.

Present Arrangements

SYDNEY, April 17.

Inquiries made to-day indicate that the position in regard to the re-ar rangement of the services is unaltered.

A representative of Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co. is at present in Can berra negotiating with the authorities and no decision is expected before the end of the month.

Following the mishap to the Mat aram, at Makambo, arrangements were made by the Company to meet the immediate demands of Solomon Islands residents by diverting the Marsina to the Solomon Islands on her way to the Mandated Territory. She left Sydney on April 14.

The Mataram is scheduled to depart from Sydney on April 24, after repairs have been effected, and she will con nect with the Marsina at Faisi. This will allow of the transhipment of New Guinea mails and passengers from the Mataram to the Marsina.

The full itineraries of both vessels are published in the shipping columns.

It is expected that on the arrival in Sydney of the Montoro, from Rabaul, on April 28, she will be laid up in order to undergo overhaul.