Neptun And Merkur

For the B.P. Far Eastern Services

THE two motor-ships, Neptun and Merkur, which were purchased by Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co. Ltd. from the Norddeutscher Lloyd in December, will be allotted permanent schedules at an early date.

The Neptun completed the schedule given her by the N.D.L., before the sale, and ran from Australian ports, via New Guinea and Manila, to Hongkong and back to Sydney. The Merkur was in spected in Germany, and found to be sat isfactory, and is now on her way out to Sydney, where she is expected in March.

As indicated in our December issue, one of the ships will be placed in the Aus tralia-New Guinea-Hongkong service (probably running via the East Indies); while the other will replace the wrecked Malabar in the Australia-Darwjn-East Indies-Singapore run, which it will carry on in conjunction with the Marella.

The motor ship Neptun sailed from Sydney on February 9 for Hongkong under the Australian flag of Messrs.

Burns, Philp and Co.. Ltd. Her German officers and crew left the ship in Syd ney on February 7, and will return to their country. A crew engaged by Messrs. Burns, Philp, Ltd., the purchasers of the liner, was signed on to replace them. Captain Rothery, formerly of the motor ship Macdhui has been appointed to the command of the Neptun.

The Neptun (says the Sydney Morning Herald cf February 8) will carry out a regular passenger and cargo service to Hongkong under the ownership of Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co., Ltd. She will call at Salamaua, Rabaul, Sandakan, and Manila.