BUILDING SHIPS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 119, 22 May 1941, Page 9

BUILDING SHIPS

IN NEW ZEALAND CONTRACTORS' TROUBLES A conference between the Mmister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, and ship building contractors was held this morning, the Minister visiting ship bui-lding yards on the Auckland waterfront. "Representations were made to me by contractors in respect to the difficulties they have experienced in obtaining necessary material needed from Australia," said Mr. Sullivan, this afternoon. "They explained the extent to which their contracts were being delayed in consequence. I replied that the same trouble had been experienced in other cases where it was necessary to obtain metal from overseas. l' assured the contractors that the utmost effort was being made to overcome all difficulties." Ho was sure that the end of their trouble was in sight. He had given instructions to his oflicers along certain lines which he thought would produce good results in a few days. The Minister was accompanied by the Chief Surveyor of Ships. Mr. G. E. Breeze, who made an inspection of the work being done. It was a matter of great satisfaction to know that it was possible to build ships in New Zealand for civil and defence purpose.?. Mr. Sullivan added. If the requisite materials could he obtained the Government could extend its building programme. New Zealand had the skill and organising ability for the work.