No MM Calls at Auckland

ACCORDING to a recent report frnm Npw Zealand comnanies with l Tahiti P wSre negottltSf with Messageries Mari times to make calls at Auckland with their east-bound trans-Pacific vessels. The calls would thus pro vide a direct link between NZ and Papeete.

Sydney agents for MM said late July that they had heard nothing about the reported negotiations, and that even if the company were approached it would be most un likely that the Auckland calls would

be made. The deviation from the established run would not be worth whde ’. ecause passenger accom modation was completely booked and the cargo that could be P icked to AuxUand would be com- P n aS raaeested a counle of ve ars ago that Elfinsshould Si a t luvr but therP sthl no of ’ this. ™ t U NZ exporters are interested in a cargo connection with Tahiti. At present the Union Steamship Company provides only three direct sailings per year. This is unsuit able for the perishable cargo trade, which is being steadily expanded.