AID TO SHIPPING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19885, 11 March 1939, Page 5

AID TO SHIPPING

DISASTROUS EFFECTS

SYSTEM OF SUBSIDIES

KM PIE R APPEAL RENEWED

PLIGHT OF BRITISH LINES

(Kloc. Tol. Copyright—United Preßs Assn.) (Reed. Mar. 11, 10.30 a.m.)

LONDON, Mar. 10

Pointing out the disastrous effects of subsidised shipping competition in the Far East under which Italian and Germans are able to provide luxurious accommodation and superior speeds, the Imperial Shipping Committee, of which the New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan, is a member, especially emphasises the Japanese expansion which, by currency depreciation and lower standards of living operates 10 to 15 per cent below comparable British ships. The committee recommends greater co-operation between British shipowners and more devolution of management. If the Governments feel that British lines should be supported consideration should be given to the practicability of financial assistance to modernise the fleets, but this would be unavailing unless something were done to ensure that British ships would get a fair and reasonable share of the trade between the Empire and Japan. It is stated that the urgency and importance of these questions merit most serious consideration by the Governments.