"White Elephant"

"Maui Pomare" Is No "White Elephant"

“A Huge Financial Success,”

Claims N.Z. Prime Minister

r 'PHE claim that the service to Western Samoa and Niue Island by the N.Z.

Government motor-vessel Maui Pomare was a financial success was made by the Prime Minister (Mr. Savage) during con sideration of the estimates of the Exter nal Affairs Department in the N.Z. House of Representatives during November, according to the N.Z. Herald.

Mr. Savage was replying to questions raised by Mr. W. P. Endean (Opposition,

Parnell) concerning a vote of £1,500 for a new generating plant required by the ship, “What sort of a commercial proposi tion is this Maui Pomare?’' Mr. Endean asked, “The Government should let us know, and let us have a balance-sheet of its operations. Is it a ‘white elephant’ or not? I would like to know what the position is. Is this ship a travelling bene faction for Islands people; and where is the unfortunate taxpayer getting off if that is the case?’’

A Labour Member: At the wharf.

“The Maui Pomare is no ‘white ele phant.’ ” Mr.' Savage said. “The boat is run on up-to-date lines and we have every reason to be optimistic about it.”

Mr. Endean: But where is the balance sheet?

“There is nothing wrong with the balance-sheet,” added the Prime Minister.

“The ship is a huge financial success.”