N.Z. Line interest in containers

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33538, 20 May 1974, Page 2

N.Z. Line interest in containers

(N.Z.P.A. Stuff Correspondent)

LIVERPOOL, May 19.

The New Zealand Shipping Line has no plans at present for more conventional ships in its New Zealand-Britain trade, but might move into the container trade, says a director of the line (Mr B.Shaw).

Speaking at a press conference aboard the N.Z. Waitangi at Liverpool, Mr Shaw, who is also chairman of the Shaw Savill Line, said he thought that any further investment by the New Zealand Line was likely to be in containers.

However, the conventional trade with New Zealand was hard to beat for its efficiency in handling meat. The “guinea pig” trip of the NZ Waitangi, the line’s first freighter, has passed the halfway stage and at Liverpool the master (Captain W. P. Russell) held a small party for city and port officials, shipping company representatives, importers, and exporters. CO-OPERATION “We have had co-operation everywhere,” said Captain Russell. “It has been surprising to me the way so many people in so many different walks of life have bent over backwards to make our job easier."

Mechanical breakdowns on the voyage from New Zealand had cost at least two days. An impression that the crew has perhaps put up with a little more in the way of discomfort than they would normally expect is noticeable in discussions with men of the Waitangi’s crew. ‘‘This is a new venture, and

we want to make it go,” said the cooks and stewards’ delegate, Mr G. Glucas. “There

have been some first-trip blues, but I think we are doing extra well.” FULL CARGOES The Waitangi will probably reach the New Zealand coast early in July after a voyage with full cargoes in each direction.

One of the first things many crew members intend to do is take out New Zealand citizenship — although all are New Zealand-domi-ciled, many of them were born in Britain.

“We are in New Zealand by choice, not by accident,” said Captain Russell, a Yorkshireman who emigrated, and will be seeking citizenship. “After seeing this place I don’t think any of us will wish to return permanently to Britain,” he said.