MARITIME LAWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13355, 8 December 1906, Page 7

MARITIME LAWS.

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER

FOR MARINE.

PRAISK FOR THE UNION COMPANY.

[BT TKI.KORAPH. — OWN COJfIRESI'ONDENT.]

WxiXIXGTOX, Tuesday. The Minister for Marine told a. meeting of marine engineers which he addressed last night that, though he believed the Shipping and Seamen Act to bo a very good measure, he thought there were some other things requiring attention before it could he considered perfect. We were, however, added the Minister, possessed of an excellent bit of legislation in that measure, and it would behove our representatives at the coming conference in England to see that we did not lose the benefits that wo received under it, but rather that the other portions of the Empire bo induced to level up their maritime laws to our standard. Regarding the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, the Minister said he did not think there, was a better company in any part of the world. Anyone who had served on the Australian coast must admit that the conditions were better here than there, though he was pleased to know that there had been many improvements made in Australia, during recent years. Concluding his remarks with a reference to the. present Parliament of New Zealand, Mr. Millar said he believed it would be a Parliament- of practical results rather than talk, and one that at the end of two years' time? would have many beneficial Acts to point to as a return rendered for the trust reposed in it by the people.