Apia’s Harbour Dues Keep

Matson Liners Away.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Nov. 26.

FOR some time past efforts have been made to induce the Matson Line to include a call at Apia in its mail boat schedule.

It appears that the Matson Line is willing to include this port, but declines to pay the high harbour and pilot fees for a stay of a few hours in harbour.

The Administration shows no inclination to reduce these fees, so the negotiations have ended in failure.

In contrast with pre-war days, no big oversea steamers now call regularly at Apia, although its size and trade place it third or fourth among the Pacific Is lands centres. It is bigger than Rabaul, and ranks next to Suva among British ports in the South Seas.