TRANSPORT PROBLEM

Southland Times, Issue 21431, 27 June 1931, Page 5

TRANSPORT PROBLEM

POSITION IN CANADA. NATIONAL POLICY URGED. (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) Ottawa, June 25. The appointment of a Government Commission to investigate the general transportation situation in Canada was suggested by Sir Henry Thornton, president of the Canadian National Railways, before the Parliamentary Committee on Railways and Shipping to-day. A national transportation policy could, he said, be devised, not only concerning the railways, but the St. Lawrence waterways, the highway and bus traffic, and general shipping. The commission should be composed of business men, economists, and men schooled in industrial trade matters. Some decision should also be reached whether the Canadian Government merchant marine fleet of 30 freight ships'should be continued. He declared: “We should cither go into the business with effective weapons or get out of it.” Sir Henry also said it was folly to continue as at present with boats which were deteriorating and becoming antiquated. “Personally, I recommend we get out of the business,” he said. When Dr Peter McGibbon (Conservative) asked in connection with the suggested commission if an amalgamation of all the transport systems would be considered, Sir Henry said he would not define the limits or its reference.

Before the committee on the previous day, Sir Henry said the Canadian National Railways were considering a scheme of pooling their passenger ships on the Pacific Coast with those of the Canadian Pacific, and extending the present services of the two companies to San Francisco. These now extend from Seattle to Alaska, with many services between.