STATE SHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 222, 18 September 1919, Page 5

STATE SHIPS.

1 UNDER CONSIDERATION. - RAILWAY DEPARTMENT'S PLANS. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Mr. Coh'in to-day asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the excessive cost of exporting the surplus produce of the Dominion, the Government will take measures to secure, at the earliest possible date, a Government mercantile fleet of steamers. This matter is under the consideration of the Government. i To Mr. Jennings, who suggested the purchase of steamers to distribute State coal, Mr. Herries mentioned in the House that when he was Minister of Railways he recognised the necessity for the Department having about three steamers to carry its coal supplies from Newcastle. The plan was suspended owing to the shortage of shipping, and the high cost of new vessels. The question of .buying coal mines was a more doubtful proposition, because, if coal was short, and the railway mines were working, the probability was that the Coal Controller would divert supplies to other essential industries, so the Department would have no advantage from owning mines.