A Sensation in the Shipping World.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14987, 6 June 1914, Page 10

A Sensation in the Shipping World.

The news which leaked out a few weeks ago that a German lino of steamships intended to run to New Zealand is confirmed by tho cable news which we publish this morning. The new lino, it is stated, will run from Bremen, Antwerp, and Hamburg, via the Cape of Good Hope, making the Bluff thf- first port of call. The steamers will then work north to Auckland, calling at all the principal ports. Tho steamers are of 10,000 tons each, fitted with cold storage, and their speed is from twelve to thirteen knots. It is said that negotiations are on foot with the British lines trading to New Zealand, with a view to working amicably together, and avoiding a rate war.

v There is no doubt that for somo timo past Germany has been looking with envious eyes on the commercial supremacy of Great Britain, as well as on her naval supremacy, and she intends so far as in her lies to challenge both. What has given an impetus to the present movement is no doubt the fact that the unprecedented boom in shipping during the last few years has now given place to a slump, and all over the world steamship-owners are beginning to experience a difficulty in finding sufficient employment for their ships. In another column wo publish an article by Dr Kurt Singer, chief editor of the Commercial Department of the "Hambtirgische -Correspondent," Hamburg, in reference to the reorganisation of tho Atlantic Shipping Convention. Our readers will, of course, bear in mind that it presents the case from the purely Gorman point of view. It is not, however, without significance at the present juncture. It shows that the agreement concluded between the great American lines last month was done with a view to consohdating their forces, and making an attempt to capture a larger share of tho world's traffic in other directions.

So long as tho competition is carried out on a fair commercial basis, without unduo Government assistance being given to our foreign rivals, we believo that British shipowners will be able to hold their own. If the present development means that Continental ports are to be opened to New Zealand produce, especially our meat, we need hardly say that it will be a fine thing for the Dominion, and most people 'will agree that German ships might very fairly expect to carry" on tho trade with German ports. A fresh market thus opened up for our wool, meat, dairy produce, and fruit—in which last direction there are great possibilities—should lead to an increase of our prosperity, leading up to tho groat future which we have always insisted lies before "the man on the land" in Now Zealand. The new enterprise will bo watched with keen interest. If it is carried on fairly, it will be heartily welcomed and supported. If, however, there is any attempt with tho aid of a Government grant to cripple British commerce and mn off British ships, we can safely say that tho peoplo of this country will stand by their own flesh and blood, and that, if necessary, Government assistance will bo "invoked to that end.