AN INDISPENSABLE SERVICE

North Otago Times, Volume CI, Issue 13327, 29 July 1915, Page 8

AN INDISPENSABLE SERVICE

.WORK OP THE MERCANTILE :• MARINES. ' UNJUSTIFIABLE CHARGE EXPOSED. (Per Cable,—Pre*s A6sociajipn,—Copyright) Received July 28, at 8.20 p.m. LONPON, July 28. Sir Edward Haiii, at a ■meeting of the Loudon Shipowners' Society, said that whatever criticism there was of Britain's .preparedness, -her merchantmen were ready to meet all demands, and instantly available for a worldwide service. The work of the mercantile marine came next in importance to the valour and devotion of the navy. Without their aid aud splendid achievements the lighting forces would find it impossible to maintain an economic life with resourceful courage. " There had been an unjustifiable charge against the shipowners of-excessive freights .'in.-, the transport department. From the commencement of 1915 a mutual agreement had secured that all tonnage requred for national service would be provided at half the ruling rates. " '