TWO EMPRESSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 127, 1 June 1938, Page 5

TWO EMPRESSES.

IN SOUTH PACIFIC. FORERUNNER OF NEW SHIPS? » SUGGESTION FROM OTTAWA. A new and somewhat unex]>eeted levelopmcnt in tlie question of transpacific shipping is mentioned by the , Jttawa correspondent of an Australian newspaper, who states that negotiations for an improved steamship service between Canada and Australia have been practically concluded. "To bridge the <lelay until tlie new ships are launched." he states, '"it is ! possible that the Canadian Pacific Com- I panv may lend two's ships. These will bp I the Empress of Asia and the Empress of j Russia, at present on the Oriental run | out of Vancouver." J When the report was referred to Mr. I A. W. Essex, New Zealand representative of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, he stated that it was news to him. In Australia, too. the suggestion | was considered in shipping circles to be I unlikely, most support being given the theory that the Aorangi would be kept in the run and the older Xiagara replaced by an Empress liner. The Ottawa message described the ships as being of 2.1,000 tons, with a Speed of 22 knots and of most modern construction. to be laid down in August or September, probably in England. "The British, Canadian. Australian and New Zealand Governments," it adds, "will guarantee a loan of £.3..")00.000 (Australian currency) to the new company, which will be jointly formed by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. These companies will jointly subscribe another £1,2.30,000."