SHIPPING AND NEW MARKETS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21729, 19 February 1934, Page 12

SHIPPING AND NEW MARKETS

Sir, —In your issue of February 14. a long and interesting letter appears on above subject over the narae of Jlr. Alexander ii. Tetzner. Evidently this gentleman iii under the impression that our shipping; industry should create or pioneer new markets for our produce in spheres outside the present market, which is contrary to business methods :;.n l would undoubtedly pay the producers. The shipping industry to-day, lis far as ojlrs is concerned, is unable to compete with the foreigner because of subsidies granted to the latter at the expense of their country's exchequer. There is no doubt about British shipping realising the plight it is in, but 1 fear that most of our citizens fail to do so, or understand what it means to and for them. To attribute want of new markets to our shipping is ridiculous, and for shipping to institute services to potential markets without cargo would be insane philanthropy. It is up to the producers to create the market, and when this has been accomplished they can count on reliable service. Every indication emphasises' British shipping must be subsidised if it is to be preserved from annihilation, for without our shipping our Empire will disintegrate. Not only must our shipping bu adequately subsidised, but interEmpire trade must be safeguarded in its and our interests, as our mercantile fleet means more to us than our Navy, for it is our vital link of communication. Undoubtedly one of the Dominions has granted a subsidy to a foreign shipping concern. "One swallow does not make a summer." Yet it doe 3 indicate the trend of coming events, bub let us confine such grants to our own shipping. Of course, producers here, as in every other country, require dependable outlets, but before such can be obtained they must be sought, and. in many instances made, but to expect a service before 3'ou. create a market is not business —at least commercial business, Tho farming industry is subsidised far more considerably than any other business in this country, and it is up to their representatives to supervise the making of new markets, and when they , are ready the shipping will gladly give an efficient service, as good as any outsider, for they need and solicit more freights and more employment now; but you can understand no legitimate business can undertake services or other transactions not payable, Apricity.