STEPS TO MEET SUBSIDY

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1934, Page 4

STEPS TO MEET SUBSIDY

SHIPPING IN THE PACIFIC TOURIST TRAFFIC LOSS FEARED. AUCKLAND APPEAL FOR CAUTION. LOSS OF REVENUE TO COMMUNITY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The effects which the steps to meet the competition of subsidised shipping in the Pacific might have upon the Dominion, and upon the Auckland Harbour Board in particular, were discussed at a meeting of the board. It was decided to request the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Industries and Commerce not to prejudice the position during their visit to Australia until the whole matter had been looked into from the board’s point of view. Mr. H. R. MacKenzie said he would like to draw the board’s attention to. a cablegram to the effect that two Ministers were shortly expected at Sydney to discuss and frame some action to meet the competition of subsidised shipping in the Pacific. “Now in this matter the board is vitally affected,” said Mr. MacKenzie. “Tl?e revenue we now receive from the Matson Line is about £11,500 a year. We took action before to protect our interests, and I now think that action is again necessary, not only to protect our interests but also the interests of the whole of New Zealand. “If we are to lose the Matson Line of steamers, which are the finest passenger liners calling at our port, we are going to lose a lot of tourist traffic, which means thousands and thousands of pounds to New Zealand. It also means a tremendous loss of money to the business community, not only in the provisions bought here by the ships, but also in money spent in the city by passengers travelling.” The motion was carried by a substantial majority.