AMERICAN OFFICIAL NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4900, 20 June 1918, Page 6

AMERICAN OFFICIAL NEWS.

RAPID BUILDING OF SHIPS.

The following American-official news received by wireless, has been received by the American consul in Melbourne : . WASHINGTON.—TIie Shipping Board has announced that 10 steel ships, totalling 63,486 tons, have been completed for the Government during the week ended 25th May. In. addition 18 vessels were launched, aggregating 109,700 tons. ' The Jaimcnings for the month totalled 5o ships, of which 30 were steel. The launchings for the week were at the rate or 5,704,400 tons yearly, which is nearly twice the nresent- rate of submarine lossfes, both Allies and neutrals. The Director of Railways, Dir McAdoo, announces that a Government agreement has been effected whereby the Adams American, Southern and Wells Fargo Express companies merge in ® new private company, with a capital of £6,000,000. Half the gross revenues, which totalled more than £40,000,000 in 1917, will bo paid to the railways. President Wilson has telegraphed to the Pacific coast ship builders thanking them for surrendering their holidays, to advance war work.. One thousand Jews were drowned when a ship from Bn turn Rank in the Caspian Sea this week.