I—l 7.

REPORTS. Report on the Shipping Facilities at present existing between South Island Ports and Australia. The Joint South Island - Australia Shipping Facilities Committee, to which was referred the question of the shipping facilities at present existing between South Island ports and Australia, having considered the evidence placed before it, has the honour to report that, in view of the unsatisfactoryshipping service between Australia and the South Island via Bluff, the Committee recommends the Government to open negotiations with the Australian Government with a view to seeing if it is not to the interest of both parties to establish a better service. Thos. Mackenzie, 22nd November, 1927. Chairman of Joint Committee. [Minutes of evidence brought up—not ordered to be printed.] Report on the Itinerary of the N.Z.M.S. " Maui Pomare " in connection with the Pacific Islands Trade. The Joint South Island - Australia Shipping Facilities Committee, to which was referred the matter of the itinerary of the N.Z.M.S. " Maui Pomare " in connection with the Pacific islands trade, having considered the evidence placed before it, has the honour to report that the Committee is of opinion that the present arrangements for the Government fruit-steamer to call only at Lyttelton in the South Island are very unsatisfactory ; and, the Department of External Affairs having admitted that a limited number of trips could be made farther south, the Committee suggests that the " Maui Pomare " should call at Dunedin at least four times per annum, so that fruit may be landed in good order and at a, reasonable price. Thos. Mackenzie, 22nd November, 1927. Chairman of Joint Committee. [Minutes of evidence brought up—not Ordered to be printed.]

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