To Be Maintained

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 112, 24 April 1936, Page 5

To Be Maintained

EMPIRE SHIPPING Is a Subsidy the Best Method? DOMINIONS THINK SO (By Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright.) (Received 24, 10.10 a.m.) LONDON, April 23. “Let me say as clearly as I can that the Government intends to maintain Empire shipping routes.” This categorical statement by Dr. Burgin, Mr. Walter Runciman’s lieutenant, in a speech at Hull constitutes the most favourable Government utterance thus far.

Mr. Burgin added; “We are gravely concerned as to the possibility of the United States subsidy seriously interfering with Empire routes, but the gravity of the situation does not necessarily mean that the best remedy is a short cut by adopting subsidies. There might be some other method. “Many urge the restriction of coastal shipping to the British flag or the subsidising of British coastal lines. That is also a big problem. British vessels carry a large part of the world’s coastal trade. The old doctrine of tit for tat might prevail if we commence reserving coastal shipping.”

The “Sun-Herald” news agency says: “Despite Dr. Burgin’s hesitancy concerning the best method of dealing with Pacific shipping Dominion representatives participating in the discussions are confident that there will be an eventual agreement in favour of a subsidy. They emphasise that this is tho only satisfactory way of meeting the problem. Moreover, Mr. Runciman is now much more favourable to a subsidy. He desires the most comprehensive details, including finances, before approaching a decision.” The “Daily Mail” says: “The Government has made promise after promise in the past two years to aid British lines in the Pacific, but nothing has been done. It is an immense disappointment that Ministers hesitate to act. Dr Burgin definitely discouraged the idea of counter-subsidising British lines. If there is any real alternative the country ought to be told what it is. We ought to act effectively now.”