TRANSPORT IN CANADA

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 149, 26 June 1931, Page 9

TRANSPORT IN CANADA

SIR-HENRY THORNTON'S IDEA

COMMISSION URGED

(Keeeived 25th June, 10.30 a.m.)

OTTAWA, 24th. June.

The appointment of a Government Commission to investigate the general transportation situation in Canada was suggested by Sir Henry Thornton, president of the Canadian National Bailwnys, before a Parliamentary Committee on railways and shipping on Thursday. A national transportation policy could be devised,, he said, not only concerning railways, but the St. Lawrence waterways, highway, and bus traffic, and-general shipping. Tho Commission should, be composed \c£ business men and economists, and men schooled in industrial trade matters. Somo decision should bo leached as to whether the Canadian Government merchant marine fleet of thirty freight- ships, should bo continued. "We should either go into -business with effective weapons or get out of it," Sir Henry said, adding that it was folly to continue as', at present, with, boats. deteriorating and becoming antiquated. "Personally," he said, "I recommend that we get out of the business."

When Dr. Peter M'Gibbon, Conservar tive, asked in connection with the suggested Commission, if the amalgamation of all transportation systems should be considered, Sir Honry said that he would not define the limits of refer-

Before the committee on Wednesday, Sir Henry said that the Canadian National was considering a scheme of pooling passenger ships on the Pacific Coast-with those of the Canadian Pacific, and extending the present services of the two companies to San Francisco.' They now extend from Seattle to Alaska with many services between.