NEW LINERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 148, 26 June 1939, Page 9

NEW LINERS.

PACIFIC SERVICE.

ARRANGEMENTS ADVANCED.

EFFECTS OF OCEAN AIRWAYS

"There is a possibility that an early start may be made on the building of the two new ships planned for the Pacific service," said Mr. J. X. Greenland, general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, on his return to Xew Zealand by the Monowai, which arrived at Auckland this morning from Vancouver and Honolulu.

Although he could give no definite information, he said an euort was being made to finalise arrangements, and it was hciped that there would not be anv lons delay. The snips would be of -2f).000 tons each, with a speed of 22 knots, and would accommodate 750 passengers. They would include the latest improvements in shipbuilding design and interior finish.

"The delay of a year which ha* occurred has been due chiefly to the high costs of shipbuilding."' Mr. Greenland added, "but, lately the position has improved somewhat as a result of a reduction in the price of steel, which is a hijr fat-tor affecting the shipbuilders. The concentration on naval building has al*o been an obstacle."

It was expected that each ship would require about 20 months to complete, he said. It was not yet known whether both would be built at the same time. Mr. R. A. Falla, C.M.G., chairman of the company, who was at present in England, was discussing details with a representative of the Canadian Pacific Line. Mr. Greenland had also taken part in discussions during his recent visit to Montreal.

No estimate could be formed yet of the probable effect on shipping of air transport across the Paciiic. but it was thought that only those who wished to reduce their travel time to a minimum would take advantage of the new service. There would continue to be a larcje demand for accommodation in wellappointed liners. ' Air travel was, however, rapidly increasing in popularity in the United States and Canada.

No definite idea of the number of people from America who were likely to visit New Zealand for the Centennial could be obtained yet, said Mr. Greenland, but some of the company's agents were confident about the • prospects. Generally, the outlook for the tourist traffic was good, largely as a result of war scares in other parts of the world, which had diverted tourists to New Zealand and Australia.