TRANS-PACIFIC SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 120, 24 May 1938, Page 6

TRANS-PACIFIC SERVICES.

While Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are in very unhurried fashion discussing the pros and cons of subsidies for Trans-Pacific services, America has her big liners well established, and is again discussing the possibility of still larger ships. At the same time sapan is preparing to compete with both British and American lines on an extensive scale, with a large and fast fleet. The shipping position in the Pacific is thus in a state of fluidity, and there may be important changes in the next year or two. In view of this Aueklanders, who highly value the mail jand passenger connection of the Matson Line, cannot afford to be complacent about the .possibilities of losing that service. The port authorities in Wellington are making strenuous efforts to secure a diversion of the service, and though the geographical advantage is with Auckland, by reason of its strategic position on the Fiji-Sydney run, it cannot be accepted that there is no danger of losing the service and the revenue which accompanies it. Wellington is apparently ready to offer special facilities, in berthage and perhaps in port charges, and while the extra steaming distance must be a deterrent it may be that the offer will be made attractive enough to overcome this disability. The Auckland Harbour Board is keeping in close touch with the situation, and the business community should be alive to the danger and ready to back up the board in any steps which it may deem necessary to ensure the retention of the service.