Ships

Islands Still Awaiting Ships

THE shipping service between the Aus tralian Pacific Territories and Aus tralia continues on a haphazard, hand-to-mouth system.

Shipping generally remains at the dis posal of the Governments, but half-a dozen instrumentalities have a voice in its disposition, and no one—least of all the shipowners—can give any indication of how and when the few available ships will be used.

The Australian Territories Minister, Mr. Ward, has stated repeatedly that he is trying to arrange a regular service to the Territories; but he cannot say when it will operate or who will own it.

In the meantime, what is called an “interim service” is oeing carried on with the “Ormiston” and the “Montoro.” But the movements of the ships are not known more than two or three weeks ahead. The lack of reliaM? shipping, next to the absence of native labour, is the biggest factor holding up Territories rehabilitation.

The return of the old Burns Philp steamer, “Montoro” (operated by Burns Philp on behalf of the Government), to the Islands run was like a breath of for mer happy days to war-weary Terri torians. She was on her way to the Japanese boneyards when the Pacific war came in 1941.

The only Western Pacific ship yet back on a regular schedule is the Burns Philp steamer “Morinda,” running from Syd ney to Norfolk Island and the New Hebrides.