THE SHIPPING POSITION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 2 June 1919, Page 6

THE SHIPPING POSITION.

FAIRLY SATISFACTORY

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright,

LONDON, May 30. The shipping position respecting New Zealand’s needs is still fairly satisfactory, having regard to all the circumstances. Mr. Massey, while in London during the past eight days, saw the Controller with a view to making certain that everything possible was being done to satisfy the Dominion s rcquircnlcnts. He ascertained that there are at least nine insulated ships sot down for July sailing from New Zealand port, with a chance of more but the delay difficulty, owing to strikes and labour trouble, had not yet been overcome, though the position was somewhat improved. There had been much congestion in the shipping repair yards, as many as SCO merchant ships awaiting repair a short time ago in Britain. In addition, there were in two ports no fewer than 180 ships idle for want oi labour, which may seem an extraordinary fact in view of the serious unemployment in Britain. Shipbuilding is proceeding satisfactorily in several yards. Speaking at a complimentary luncheon at which ho was the guest of Empire producers, Mr. Massey urged the necessity for the developing of shipping services between the overseas Dominions and Britain. Something had already been done, but more must bo done to explore the possibilities of the movement towards increasing interEmpire trade. It might bo necessary to subsidise suitable ships, but, whatever happened, it was in the interests of citizens throughout the Empire that everything possible should be done to improve our shipping facilities. Both Ministers 'returned to Paris on Thursday night in order to attend a plenary session, whereat the Austrian treaty null be considered, also the presentation of terms to Austria on Monday.