PACIFIC SHIPPING

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1936, Page 5

PACIFIC SHIPPING

MATSON ATTITUDE TO CANADA-AUSTRAUA-N.Z. LINfl (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). ‘ (Received this day at 1.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 11.

The Associated Press has been informed that some of the details of the contemplated new Canada-Australia-New Zealand service by two liners, are reported to have been approved by the imperial maritime committee.

The plans have been completed, and all is in readiness in the Scottish yards to begin construction on at least one.

A Glasgow expert inspected the Matson liners here recently. H© laid special emphasis on the woodwork, in which, as well as in other aspects, British boats are expected to excel, the Americans.

The new iners will be 25,000 tons, with a speed of : twenty-four knots and the latest details of propulsion, comfort and be'auty. . • The shipbuilders have asked for two years for completion, but are ready to complte the building within eighteen months or . a year if necessary. . ■

The .terminus, will be Vancouver, but will call at Los Angeles in preference San Francisco, on the ground that large numbers-of tourists also want ,to visit Hollywood. Shipping circles here consider the trans-Tasman legislation as j agreed upon a preliminary to the building of British, liners, and little surprise is now expressed at. the. intention .to exclude American, shipping from the benefits ’'of trans-Tasman trade. . It is-understood the general passenger manager (Mr Ryan) privately observed that the Matson line welcomed the entrance of the new ships, as there was traffic enough to fill both lines for years, and that at the height of the season, the Matson line was compelled to turn’away much good through-traffic. . (

As an instance he referred to the Matson line’s intention .to book no large parties for 1937, and said that the - tourist traffic had hardly been tapped.