NEW SHIPPING COMPANY

Southland Times, Issue 22043, 16 June 1933, Page 8

NEW SHIPPING COMPANY

LOWER FREIGHT PROPOSALS.

HERALD COMMENTS.

(Contributed.) In an Editorial in its issue of May 25, 1933, the N.Z. Herald gave an interesting sidelight on the recently announced intention of the Blue Star Line to make a bid for a share of the cargoes controlled by the N.Z. Dairy Control Board and the Meat Producers’ Board. In the article the Herald states:—

“The point of immediate interest to New Zealand farmers and importers is that the rivalry in the shipping world opens the prospect of an easement in the heavy freight burden which the country is carrying.” Such a clear statement of the benefits that would immediately accrue from the operations of a regular service for the carriage of freight between here and England needs little additional comment other than to say that this company cannot operate without definite support from the Control Boards whose representatives are at present in London negotiating renewals of the contracts of the Conference boats. Regarding these representatives the Herald says:— “And it will be their duty to see that no possible chance of advantage is lost ... It is not known whether a contract for the whole of the cargo under the boards’ control is proposed, but it might be in the best interests of New Zealand if tenders were invited for part as well as the whole. Should the Conference boats have to share the trade with those of the Blue Star Line there would be constant competition both ways and this would be all to the good of the country. The gain would not be in freight rates alone. There would be a keen contest in the matter of efficient handling of produce. Ship would strive against ship to deliver its cargo in better condition. There would be no risk of inadequate supervision at any stage of the way. At best New Zealand must pay some penalty for distance and for the necessity of vessels gathering cargo round the coast. Further, until the import trade revives the cost of a number of outward voyages in ballast must be borne. But these are but added reasons for securing the .full fruits of shipping competition.”