BRITISH MERCANTILE MARINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19762, 8 October 1927, Page 14

BRITISH MERCANTILE MARINE.

Sir, —We are naturally proud of the part played by the British Mercantile Marine during the Great War, but it would now appear that we are apt to overlook the importance of maintaining our prestige at Sea. Foreign steamers, with crews at lower wages than British steamers pay, continue to arrive at Auckland with our goods. Should we not support British ships in the same way as we give preference to British goods 7 Uur vessels are manned by our own countrymen who, in many instances, have families living m New Zealand, and who spend most of their wages in this country. The foreigners spend their wages in their own country. Is it a good policy for us to depend upon a foreign flag for the carriage of goods? If war broke out, would foreign ships be of any assistance to us"! If the British had not a large fleet of cargo ships during the war much New Zealand produce would have rotted in store. Is it correct that the Americans will not allow British ships.to trade between two of their ports ? We allow the American steamers to go from port to port in New Zealand and they also carry our goods to Australia and America, where our steamers trade. Can you inform me why the American steamers arrive at this port with so much timber on deck, whereas British steamers carry only about one-eighth of the quantity ? I understand that these American steamers are subsidised by the American Government to compete ag'ainst British ships, which do not receive any Government subsidy. This appears to be unfair competition. I notice that steamers at New Zealand rates of pay do not now bring phosphates from Nauru and Ocean Islands. Can you inform me if this is on account of the crews of New Zealand steamers being paid higher wages ? FAIRPLAY.