BRITISH SHIPPING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 21 October 1918, Page 5

BRITISH SHIPPING.

THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS

LONDON, Oct. 18. Extraordinary interest is manifested in shipping circles in connection with, the report that the Government has decided to buy out the Cunard, P. and 0., and Furness, Withy Lines, in order to facilitate the demobilisation scheme. It does not involve the winding up of the companies, which will build new vessels.

The Government will probably announce its policy without delay, in view of the urgency of placing early orders for new construction.

Lord Inchcape says that British shipping will only recover its pre-war position if the paralysing influence of Government control is removed at the earliest possible moment; also that there should be a clear and early declaration as to whether the State intends to become its own shipbuilder and shipowner. The present uncertainty is frightening capital away and stifling enterprise.—Aus.-N.Z. CaTble Assn.