The Pacific Shipping Trade.

Southland Times, Issue 14712, 3 August 1900, Page 2

The Pacific Shipping Trade.

•» — MONOPOLY FOR THK STATES. (By Telegraph.) Wellington, Ang. 2. A letber has been Bent to the Postmaster' General by fifteen New ZeaUndera, who were passengers on the Moana's last trip, drawing attention to the mi.nner in whioh the American shipping law is operating to the disadvantage of vessel* sailing onder the British flag so far aa trade between Honolulu and San Francisoo is concerned. This law provides that no vessels other than Amerioan shall be allowed to carry freight and passengers between American coastal ports and, since annexation, Honolulu rank* as a ooastal port. The Moan* wai the fint British vessel to experience tho efieetl of this legislation, and was debarred et Honolulu from taking on board valuable freigbb and numerous passengers, many of whom were British subjects, and thns fonnd themselves unable to travel in a vessel of tbeir own oountry. The writers consider suoh a position so entirely opposed to the British "open door" polioy as to oall for speoial remark, particularly in view of the iaob bhat a subsidy of £30,000 is now being demanded from the New Zealand Government for a service from which British ahlpe are entirely excluded. Ab a meeting of New Zealanders the following resolutions ware carried: —" That in view of the American law, whioh prohibite British ships from carrying passungors aad cargo between Honolulu and America, New Zealand passengers on board the Moan* wish to express their hope tbat the subsidy will not be granted to the new American tine if British ships are to be excluded from participating in ib." The letber oonclndes by hoping the publication of these faots will help to strengthen the hands of the Governmenb in their wellknown dssire to obtain fair treatment for the British flag.