A Shipping Subsidy

Southland Times, Issue 23141, 6 March 1937, Page 6

A Shipping Subsidy

Yesterday, for the second time in a week, the case for a regular and continuous shipping service between Melbourne and Bluff was put before a member of the Government. Mr Sullivan in his reply was able to go further than Mr Savage. He undertook to make, through the Department of Industries and Commerce, a careful investigation of 'figures supplied by the shipping companies—figures which show, apparently, that an all-the-year-round service on the present basis would be “uneconomic.” The department will also estimate the effect on trade between Australia and New Zealand of a restoration of the continuous service. Mr Sullivan made it clear that he regards the lack of direct shipping, as a handicap upon the whole island rather than upon this province alone—which assuredly it is; but, to quote his own words, “the Government hesitates to burden itself with for you never know where they will end.” That is a viewpoint which everyone will commend, provided it is held consistently. But it comes a little strangely from the representative of a Government that has’ not hesitated to commit the taxpayers to a new and elaborate method of subsidy of which the end certainly cannot be foreseen —the guaranteed price scheme. And it will be strange, too, if a Government which can find millions to spend on railway construction of doubtful value, to say the least, cannot afford a few thousands to re-establish a shipping service that offers reasonable prospects and would be widely beneficial.