RECIPROCAL AIM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19137, 5 October 1936, Page 5

RECIPROCAL AIM

BRITISH SHIPPING POLICY EMPIRE CONGRESS VIEW METHOD OF ASSISTANCE TRADE INFLUENCE URGED (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The congress of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire commenced its business session to-day. The first subject to be dealt with con-cerned-subsidies, to shipping, several resolutions being embodied in one to the effect that, while reaffirming adherence to the principle of free, unrestricted and ufisubsidised .ocean transport services, the congress'recommended to the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Dominions that trade facilities to foreign shipping trading between Empire ports should, only be granted to the shipping) of those countries giving similar facilities to '.Empire, shipping, and that they should, whether by subsidy or otherwise, afford such assistance xi would enable the British mercantile marine to remain, as in the past, one of the greatest bulwarks of the Empire, whether in peace or war.

The mover was, Mr. A. Spencer Watts, of Sydney, who particularly emphasised that what they wanted to get was similar treatment as that meted out to others —in other words* the' application of the golden rule. They would prefer to have no discrimination against any flag, provided there was none against them.

The seconder was Mr. A. M. Seaman, of Auckland, who dealt particularly with the disabilities being suffered by British shipping in tfie Pacific through America's subsidies and, between ports, the restrictions to our own shipping, and constructional loans.

The resolution was supported by Aus tralian and New .Zealand delegates.

Sir Thomas Wilford put forth the suggestion, that Britain, as the world's biggest purchaser, should use her purchasing! power to secure equality to shipping. She had the power if she had the will, he said.