COASTAL SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 206, 28 May 1938, Page 12

COASTAL SHIPPING

Importance Stressed

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Auckland, May 27.

“There must always' be a place for our coastal services in spite of extended railways and road transport competition,” said tire mayor, fcjir Ernest Davis, speaking as chairman of the Northern Steamship Company at the annual meeting of shareholders. “Clearly to an insular country like New Zealand the maintenance of a coastal fleet is a national necessity, not only for economic reasons but for defence in time of emergency. Dur ships, being of light draught, are ideal for that purpose. In Britain certain protection is given to the coastal fleet against other forms of transport.” Sir Ernest emphasised the need for a merchant training ship for training young men who desire to enter the merchant service.

He said that during the year the company’s ships carried 58,(174 passengers, or 10,014 fewer than in the previous year. The position regarding cargo was much better. They had carried 208,009 tons, or 8010 tons more than last year.

The company’s reserves had been strengthened and the directors recommended a dividend of 3 per cent. They hoped that next year it would be larger. i

■ The retiring directors were reelected.