COOK STRAIT NAVIGATION.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14869, 18 September 1918, Page 4

COOK STRAIT NAVIGATION.

MINISTERS INTERVIEWED

* Tjniteo Press Association, i

WeJ!mg4on 3 September 17

A conference representing the Harbour Board, the Chambers cf Commerco, and the Nev/ Zealand Shipowners' Federation was held to-day to consider tlio restrictions on the navigation of Cock Strait, and afterwards a delegation interviewed the. ActhigPrime Minister and th.o Minister of Marine. Neither the conference nor the delegation was open to the press.

Later Sir James Allen told a reporter that there seemed to be an impression that the Government had prohibited the navigation of Cook Strait by coastal 'vessels except in daylight. That was not so. Those ships had been warned that mines might be floating in those waters, and advised to work the Strait in daylight. With regard to ocean-going steamers, these had been absolutely ordered to work the Strait in daylight, "because it was considered that the risk of the loss of such ships was too serious to be taken. Tiie deputation had asked the Government to ; ! adopt further means for the sweeping of mines, but it was explained that it was not practicable to. do very mwh\ more than waß.neing done, Because of the varying depths at whleli mines were '.found. The owners of coastal boats j.asked also for some Government assist--, i ■ance in the matter of insurance, for,l i which they were asked to pay very,] high rai-es/ This question he promised': to di-scass with the other members ot' ithe Government.