PACIFIC SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 73, 19 December 1935, Page 11

PACIFIC SHIPPING

Subsidised Foreign Lines Problem QUESTION IN COMMONS (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 17. The President of the Board of Trade. Mr. "Walter Runciman', was questioned in the House of Commons regarding the decision of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company to withdraw the service of ships between Australia and New Zealand and San Francisco and Vancouver on account of subsidised foreign competition. He said that the position of the British lines concerned had been under discussion between the Government and New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia. The understanding was that in view of their special interest in the subject the Governments of those Dominions should consider what action they could take to deal with the position. The matter was receiving their consideration. CONFERENCE PROBABLE London, December 17. The “Sun-Herald” agency understands that a conference is likely in the New Year between representatives of the British. Australian, and New Zealand Governments in' connection with the Vancouver to Sydney shipping service. Communications are passing between the Governments regarding a proposed conference in London. The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce decided to send a resolution to the Government urging the preservation of the Empire shipping; service on the Pacific routes. SUPPORT FOR HON. A. SHAW London, December 17. Sir Alan Anderson, at the annua! meeting of the Orient Line, followed up the Hon. Alexander Shaw’s warning against subsidised foreign competition to secure for America a monopoly of the Pacific routes, and said that British lines wore not seeking a subsidy to condone or shelter inefficiency. Australia had to decide what services it required when it again began to grow. The third class, which for 50 years was the mainstay of Australian trade, had now practically ceased. However, he looked forward to the time when Australia would again attract Settlers demanding cheaper travel.