Support For Shipping Line Owned By N.Z.

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31986, 13 May 1969, Page 32

Support For Shipping Line Owned By N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 12.

The consultants who compiled a report on air exporting for the New’ Zealand Meat Producers’ Board say their studies have given grounds for believing a New Zealand-owned and operated shipping line could save the country substantial amounts each year in overseas funds.

One of the co-authors of the report, a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal I. G. Morrison, said today the report implied strongly that if air exports using a New Zealand-owned carrier could save the country overseas exchange, it was reasonable to assume that a New Zealandowned shipping line would give similar benefits. He said he wanted to emphasise that the shipping trade did not come within the terms of reference of the report, “but it is my belief that New Zealand should be in the business of sea carriage.”

Air New Zealand was making a significant contribution to improving the country’s baiance-of-payments position. “The air business is predominantly concerned with transporting passengers, while

shipping is basically con-i cerned with freight carriage,”: he said. “If you had asked me three years ago whether 1 would support a national shipping line I would probably have answerer’, no. But now, with the greater efficiency containerisation and other developments have brought and promise, I feel the proposal warrants close study.” Because freight was carried at a cheaper rate than passengers, the effect of a New Zealand-owned shipping line on the balance-of-payments position might be a bit less than Air New Zealand’s had been.

“However, it should still provide a good return in terms of overseas funds,” he said.