S.S. “Waipahi” Replaces the

Sydney-Fiji-Tonga

Auckland.

S.S. “Waipahi” Replaces the “Karetu.”

A further alteration in the shipping services of the Central Pacific was announced in Sydney by the Union Steamship Co., Ltd., early in Novem ber. The cargo vessel “Karetu” has been replaced in the Sydney-Fiji- Tonga service by the “Waipahi,” which was withdrawn from the service in June last. On arrival in Auckland on November 7, the “Karetu” was with drawn and laid up for an indefinite period. The “Waipahi” left Sydney on the first trip of her new schedule on November 22.

This alteration was effected after representations had been made to the Union Company by Fiji shippers, who requested that the “Waipahi” should again enter the service and carry their banana shipments to Auckland during the hotter months of the year. The action of the Union Company, in com plying with their requests, was much appreciated by the banana shippers

and, in consequence, they have con sented to an increase in the freight of 1/- per case for the December ship ment. The increase in freight will off set some of the heavy expenses in curred by the company in laying up the “Karetu” and recommissioning the “Waipahi.”

The new schedule of the “Waipahi” is published in our shipping columns.