Endure

What Islands Communities Must Endure

IT is intended that the “Muliama,” after she has completed her present runs to the Gilbert Islands, shall return to the Sydney-Solomons run. The “Morinda” also will continue to extend her run from New Hebrides to Solomons every three months. Enough copra for shipment from Solomons to Australia has been promised to justify this improved shipping service.

We asked Messrs. Burns Philp and Co. this month whether we might have de tails of the Sydney-New Guinea and Sydney-New Hebrides-Solomons shipping timetables for publication in advance; but we were informed that that is not practicable. None is more eager than the shipowner to run these Islands vessels on regular timetables; but, under the condi

tions which now exist in the Islands ports (insufficient berthing and cargo working facilities) and the Australian ports (chaotic labour control delaying the discharge and loading and turn-around of ships) it is impossible to adhere to any schedule.

These conditions impose maximum in convenience and loss upon both the public and the shipowner, but we can