COMMONWEALTH SHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 69, 21 March 1919, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH SHIPS.

NO WAR OF RATES. RESTRICTIONS OF TEE "FOOIi." (Received 0.2."> a.m.> hONnOX, March 20. Mr. G. T.nrkin, of the Commonwealth Government Shipping Line, replying to criticism?. ijuotes Mr. Hughes' statement that the Commonwealth does not desire to interfere with existing line?. The Commonwealth did not intend to inaugurate a w;ir of rates unless compelled to Jo so. The relinte system was excellent ;'or the conference, but imposed restrictions preventing the exporter taking adruitage of cheaper freights without losing accumulated rebates. The systtm was illegal in Australia, where 't was regarded as restraint of trade The Commonwealth offers the shippers a cash discount equivalent to th<- deferred retiatf , without obligation to confine shipment- to their line. Tf the conferfncp sction resulted in steamers proceeding to Aimtralia in ballast, freights on woil an'! to Kngland would infreaso. Although the line escaped i-icfsr. profits taxation, the entire profits•"nt to the ( ommonwealth to help redupe Australia's war burden.— (A. and X.Z. table.) MERCHANTS" SUGGESTION. STATE SHOULD SELL SHIPS. LONDON", March 20. The chairman of the Australasian Jlerrharus" AjFOfiation. ■Mγ. Tredwen. in-terrien-ed. said ehippers were practically unanimous in their intention to use confprenrp steamers. The conference had always treated them with the utmost fripndliripse and consideration. Merchants generally did not favour •»nvi>rnmeiit trading. Mr. Tredwen sugSfstPd that the Commonwealth would do well to follow the British Oovernexample and sell its steamers at thp prices now obtainable. Thu- the ("Jnvernment would make a largp profit which might be impossible a few yearo hence.— lA. and N.Z. Cable.)