THE SHIPPING PROBLEM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3384, 22 January 1919, Page 23

THE SHIPPING PROBLEM.

(By Cable.) The Shipping Controller informed Sir T. Mackenzie that the shipping for produce had much eased, and refrigerated and. other tonnage would shortly be increased. The United States Shipping Board has announced that the larger amount of tonnage available for foreign trade is due to the decreased demands by the War Department. Freight rates to Eiurope, Australia, and the Far East trill be reduced. Lloyds Register shows that there were 424 merchantmen, aggregating 1,979,952 tons, under construction in the United Kingdom at the end of December, ferroconcrete vessels being not included. Allied and neutral countries are constructing 1765 vessels, aggregating 4,942,037 tons. Lord Inchcape and Sir Owen Phillips have jointly bought 137 uncompleted Government standard ships, and are offering them to all shipowners at cost price. The allotments will be based on shipowners' war losses. They do not intend to make a profit or favour their own companies, but will retain an absolute discretion respecting the allotment. Shipowners are asked to make general application by the 24th inst.; a specific application will be considered subsequently, without delay. The steamers will not be subject to requisition at Blue Book rates ? but if the Government wishes to charted them terms will be mutually arranged j otherwise the vessels will be on the same footing as other privately-owned ships. It is estimated that the aggregate cost will be £20,000,000. It is anticipated that Lord Inchcape and Sir Owen Phillips willeasily dispose of all the vessels.