Slow Turn-round Of Shipping On N.Z. Coast

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 October 1948, Page 6

Slow Turn-round Of Shipping On N.Z. Coast

LONDON, October 18.

Strong criticism of the turn-round of shipping at New Zealand ports was expressed at a luncheon after the launch of the 11,300-ton motor-vessel Sussex at ‘John Brown’s yard, Clydebank. Proposing the toast of the new ship and her owners (the New Zealand Shipping Company), Lord Aberconway, chairman of John Brown and Company, said that the New Zealand Shipping Company and the Federal Steam Navigation Company had played a great part in developing trade between Britain and New Zealand. Their only regret was that their ships lingered so long in New Zealand ports. He suggested that the slow turnround of shipping in Dominion ports should be brought before the Commonwealth Prime Ministers during their visit to London, and that it should be explained to them that ships would do more work and foster more trade if they were handled more quickly in Dominion ports. Mr H. S. Whitehouse, replying to Lord Aberconway on behalf of the owners, said that the slow turn-round of shipping, particularly in Australian and New Zealand ports, was causing all shipowners the gravest concern. These delays resulted in an appalling waste of time, money, and energy, and meant that in addition, Britain had to go without raw materials and foodstuffs which should be delivered considerably earlier, simply because tonnage was being misused.. The Sussex, which is being built under special survey to Lloyd’s Register’s highest classification, is one of five ships at present being built in John Brown’s yards for’ the same owners. The ship will have a raked stem, a cruiser pattern, stern, and a single funnel. Her overall length will be 561 feet. The construction of a sister ship, the new Rangitane,. is now well advanced at a neighbouring berth.