PACIFIC SHIPPING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 28 March 1936, Page 5

PACIFIC SHIPPING

COMING CONFERENCE DIRECT SUBSIDY HOPED FOR TWO LUXURY LINERS (United Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph- Copyright) (Received 28th March, 2.0 p.m.) LONDON, 27th March. With New Zealand’s decision to be represented by Sir James Parr, Australian Ministers hope it will now be possible, to begin the Pacific Shipping Conference early in April. The British attitude is reserved. . ~ It is understood that ow ' u b r t .° , that Government support of British lines would provoke a retaliatory increase m the Matson subsidy, Britain is also luctant on general principle to extend the shipping subsidies. Any Government assistance may be conditional upon provision df more modern Bntish si p iU The “Sun-Herald” says that conversations have thus far been of a P£® ary nature. Nevertheless sufficient Has emerged to indicate that a di:rect subsidy is now hoped for instead of a * range men t between the Union and Matson lines under which the Australian an New Zealand service would be reserved for British ships. The subsidy which will enable two luxury liners to be built, each costing £1,000,000, to compete with Matsons, will be in the neighbourhood of £250,U0U annually. No definite figures have thus far been even tentatively advanced, but subjecl to the respective Governments approval contributions would roughly be (all annually)United Kingdom £90,000, Canada £BO,OOO, Australia £50,000, Nets Zealand £25,000, Fiji £IO,OOO. Evidently there are good grounds lor thinking that the dominions will contribute approximately these amounts piovided Britain pays her share. It is gathered that Mr M. W. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, hitherto inclined to be hesitant, is now more responsive following the realisation that Pacific shipping vitally concerns Britain, and that the ships would be built in British yards, benefiting industry.

NOT SANGUINE OF RELIEF

(Received 28th March. 2.0 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The “Herald” says that although the continuance of the Royal Mail Line steamers to San Francisco will not be. decided until the result is known of the London conference, local shipping circles are not sanguine of any measure of relief being forthcoming. It is significant that no schedule of sailings for vessels of tlie, line has been prepared beyond 30th July. Should the company decide to terminate tlie passenger service to San Francisco, it is considered likely that a faster freight service will be inaugurated and vessels employed carrying a limited passenger accommodation.