Maui Pomare
p. 23 · Read in the full issue
Nz’S Cook Is. Headache
What To Do With Maui Pomare
LAST August, when New Zealand’s Minister for Island Territories, (Mr. Clifton Webb) looked into various Cook Islands problems, he came to the reluctant conclusion that, as private enterprise was not yet prepared to provide that Group with a satisfactory refrigerated shipping service, and as the Maui Pomare would be able to handle the expected fruit cargoes for a few years yet, it would be necessary to continue paying the heavy cost of her maintenance for the present.
Maui Pomare therefore was sent to her refitting berth in Auckland early in February.
An examination, however, soon revealed that before the vessel can be passed for any further service she will require replacement of her entire main deck —estimated to cost £lOO,OOO, with other necessary work.
This was far in excess of the esti mated expenditure.
Work was thereupon halted, pend ing major decision in Wellington.
Further funds will have to be voted for repairs: or the money will have to be diverted to the building of a replacement: or an arrangement will have to be made immediately with private enterprise to service the Cooks.
There now are the indications that, for at least six months and perhaps longer, the passenger situation on that route will become worse. There may be shipping with cooler space available for the picking up of Cook Islands produce, but there seems unlikely to be tonnage that can also provide for the passengers offering.
If the decision is made to again refit the Maui Pomare this year, regardless of cost, she probably will be out of service for at least six months. It would be several years before a new vessel could be built, though a suitable one might be purchased overseas, second-hand.
Maui Pomare was built in 1927 and gave a great deal of trouble in her earlier years of service. t The popular Mobil Quest radio programme, sponsored by the Vacuum Oil Comoany, will be broad cast over VRH, Suva, in future. The programme of Australian talent is now widely listened to, and a number of the artists have gone on to prove themselves overseas. Each year £2,550 is paid out in prize money (£1,150 for first prize), 6(> artists are selected for broadcast after preliminary auditions. Mr.
James Hill, formerly of Lae, NG, is now publicity officer for the pro gramme, and is stationed in Mel bourne.