Future Of ‘Maui Pomare’
p. 91 · Read in the full issue
WHEN Maui Pomare arrived in Auckland from the Cooks early in July the bush telegraph became active as to the future of the NZ Territories Department’s very expen sive old “orphan”.
Most persistent of the rumours was that the next voyage would be the last.
The Department’s branch office in Auckland, at mid-July, had heard not a whisper—and the Union SS Co., which operates the vessel, have booked passengers for at least three more voyages.
For some time past a syndicate of nautical men in New Zealand has been trying to negotiate a charter, or subsidised purchase of the vessel, subject to certain operational con ditions.
It sems probable that at the end of the current season the Maui Pomare will change hands, or cease running to the Islands.
Most probable development is that the NZ Government will subsidise the Union Co. vessels Matua and Tofua, to provide the Cook Islands connec tion, which should be able to pro vide a much-needed better passenger service.
Mr. Harvey Turner, chairman of directors of Fruit Distributors Ltd., of Auckland, emphasises that additional fruit cargo space won’t be required for several years, until the Cook Islands replanting scheme makes itself felt. The present need is for more passenger accommoda tion only. Maui Pomare has not been filled with fruit on recent voyages.