NATIONAL SHIPPING

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10853, 19 March 1921, Page 6

NATIONAL SHIPPING

We have in New Zealand national railways. Why not national ships ? Both are of the great department of transport. National railways give us command of the land transport, to the benefit of the producing and commercial interests; hut there is no such benefit through the sea transport. The desire to get that advantage through the sea transport is the basis of all the demands for the establishment of a national fleet of merchant ships. The war has given much strength to this demand with the large sums paid for the transport of men and materials, and also with the great inconveniences incidental to the shortage of shipping. A national fleet of merchant ships would have diminished these evils considerably. Since the war things have improved in the matter of sea transport. But freights are high, and complaints about them are constant. It is urged that a national fleet of carriers would have to meet the heavy capital and running charges which are in the aftermath of the war. This as a general proposition is incontrovertible. On the other hand, the particular experience in naval transport of the Australian Commonwealth is important. The official statement was published yesterday here that the net profit made by the liners, of the Commonwealth to June 30th last amounted to £2,200,000, and this allowing for capital charges and insurance. The current year is interesting, after that experience, as a substantial profit is announced for the first half (ending December 31st last), and a moderate profit is estimated for the second half, with “business developing beyond anticipation.” These figures are, apparently, a good reply to adverse criticism. In addition, there is the case of Canada. That Dominion has made profits with its liners. There is no reason why New Zealand should not also possess a fine fleet of merchant ships, with a large complement of ocean-going liners of the best type. The main advantages would be unbreakable continuity of the transport service and the regulation of ocean freights. Another advantage would be the independence in the important matter of distribution among the ports of destination. The question has been before the public very long of the establishment of a national fleet of merchant ships. It is, according to a recent announcement, about to be placed before Cabinet for consideration. As every possible reason is on the side of the proposal, and there is absolutely no valid reason against it, except the financial pressure, which will not last for ever, the Cabinet, we trust, will have everything ready by next session for Parliamentary sanction, with the help of any ventilation and arrangement the Prime Minister may be able to manage during his absence from the Dominion.