SHIPPING LEGISLATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15645, 26 June 1914, Page 7

SHIPPING LEGISLATION.

AUSTRALASIAN EFFECT,, • BRITISH EXPERT'S VIEW. V COMPETITION DISCOURAGED, By Telegraph—Pro.<s Association— (Received Juno 25, 9.50 p.m.) London, June 25. The chairman of tho Board of Trade's Shipping Advisory Committee, and secretary of the Liverpool Steamship Owners' Federation, Mr. Norman Hill, giving evidence before the Dominions Commission yesterday, said he could not recommend English shipping legislation on the linesof that of Australia and New Zealand, because the latter imposed handicaps which compelled the owners to recoup themselves by charging higher freights and fares than they would otherwise charge. Tho effect of restrictive legislation was to give the regular Australian coastal steamers an absolute monopoly of the coastal trade, because outsiders were practically excluded. As far as ocean liners were concerned, they had a virtual monopoly, becauso they could safeguard them-

selves by insurance against new risks, and by increased charges to cover legislative restrictions, but the tramp steamers, which otherwise co'' 1 - 1 cut in at reduced rates, were unable to adapt themselves to the special requirements of Australasian legislation.,

i Witness believed that the ships engaged in the transport of Australian and New Zealand products formed a monopoly that was due to the legislation shutting out outside firms which would otherwise become competitors.