NO NEW UNION CO. SHIP

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1934, Page 5

NO NEW UNION CO. SHIP

SUBSIDISED COMPETITION.

NEW VESSEL IF PROTECTED.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, June 27.

The managing director of the Union Steamship Company, Mr. N. S. Falla, said to-day that the statement that the company intended to place an order shortly for a new large express passenger liner for the intercolonial service was inaccurate both in fact and details. Plans for such- a vessel had certainly been under consideration for some time past, but it was incorrect to say that an order was shortly to be placed.

A vessel of the required type would cost in the vicinity of £1,000,600 and the decision to embark on such a venture must be contingent on the attitude of the Governments concerned regarding competition in the service by the subsidised shipping of other nations. “This position is so serious,” said Mr. Falla, “that New Zealand has come to the crossways in the history of locallyowned shipping, and further building of intercolonial tonnage of this type must depend on the protection ,afforded. The company is prepared to place an order in a British yard for such a vessel provided protection is forthcoming,”