COMMONWEALTH LINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19783, 2 November 1927, Page 9

COMMONWEALTH LINE.

DIfFOSAL OF VESSELS. RESTRICTIONS ON SALE. LONDON. Oct. 22. "Much interest is being taken in the city Hi the Australian report of a possible amendment iti ai leas, one of the conditions of sale of the Commonwealth Line.' says the shipping correspondent of the Times. "The impression is that the Government is trying to discover terms on which the line could be sold. Conditions nuclei the Australian register are so exacting that grave doubt may be expressed whether any e,\cepi Government shipowners could seriously contemplate the running of such vessels in the transoceanic service Therefore, while this condition is maintained the ships, as a lino, are really valueless in the uiaikct. "If l'.ritish registry were permitted, the question of a purchaser would possibly become a practical business If the provision is maintained that biddets must not be associated with existing lines serving Australia those having texperience of the trade are precluded The fact, should plainly be recognised that, owing to the succession of labour troubles in Australian ports in recent years, many owners are chary of sending ships to Australia lest thev be indefinitely detained. "The heavy expenses continually being incurred mean that owners unhesitatingly prefer pre-war conditions. When freights and expenses are at the present level the costs prevent anything but the smallest profit. Lower- charges would nvaan decreasing profits."