COOK STRAIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17423, 18 September 1918, Page 5

COOK STRAIT

FLOATING MINE PERIL. (Pbb'United Puess Association.) W ELLINGTON. September 17 A conference representing the Harbour Board, Unainbers oi Commerce, and the New Zealand Shipowners' Federation %vas held to-day to consider the restrictions placed on navigation in Cook Strait, and afterwards tho delegation interviewed the Acting Prime Minister and tho Minister o£ Marine. Neither proceedings was open to the press, but later tiir James Allen tQld a reporter that there seemed to be an impression that the Government had prohibited navigation in Cook'; Strait by coastal vessels except in daylight. This was not so. These ships had been warned that mines might bo floating 'ill those waters, and advised to work tno strait in daylight. With regard to ocean-going steamers, these had been absplutoly ordered to work the strait in daylight because it was considered that the risk of loss of such ships was too serious to be taken. Tho deputation had asked the Government to adopt further means ; but it was explained that it was not practicable to do vary much more than was being done, because of the varying depths at which the mines were found. Tho owners o" coastal boats had asked also for some Government assistance in the matter of insurance, for which they were asked to pay very heavy rates. This question ho promised to discuss with other members of the Government.