Uncle Sam to Quit Three Shipping Lines

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 184, 25 October 1927, Page 1

Uncle Sam to Quit Three Shipping Lines

NEW SPECIFICATIONS BEING DRAWN UPOTHER SALES POSSIBLE By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. Reed. 9.5 a.m. WASHINGTON, Monday The United States Shipping Board has appointed a special committee to draw up new specifications for the sale of three of its shipping lines. The American-Australia-Orient Line, the American and Oriental Line and the Oregan and Oriental Line—comprising altogether 36 vessels. The committee was instructed to report back promptly. It is understood that a majority of the board favours disposing of the lines. The board asked the committee to consider a proposal of Pacific Coast operators for a five-year operation guarantee. This was opposed by some members, who favoured a ten-year guarantee. When the committee reports back, the board will also take up the proposed sale of two of the Atlantic Coast lines —the American West Africa, and the America-France.—A. and N.Z. The ships of the America-Australia-Orient Line—West Conob, West Henshaw, I etc.—have regular services to New Zealand.

COMMONWEALTH LINE MUCH INTEREST IN SALE ENGLISH COMPANIES Reed. 10.8 a.m. LONDON, Monday. The people connected with the shipping conference lines do not disguise their keen interest in the decision to sell the Commonwealth Line, and are at present most anxious, owing to the varying prices, and reports, to know the precise conditions under which the ships will be offered. Their view is that the ships must be permitted to run under British registry, and rates of pay. The buyer must not be bound down never to raise the rates, in view of the evermounting handling costs to Australia They also seek a withdrawal of the condition that a buyer shall rot he associated with the Shipping Conference, and they point out that the Commonwealth Line for several years fixed its freights and other conditions of business in conjunction with the conference.—A. and N.Z.