U.S. SHIPBUILDING

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23288, 25 August 1945, Page 4

U.S. SHIPBUILDING

Dominion Contracts Future Programme Indefinite (NZ.P.A.) AUCKLAND. Aug. 24. Although the future of the American shipbuilding programme in New Zealand is now indefinite, work will be completed on those vessels already on the slipways. Vessels now being built include seven 114 ft powered lighters, the last of the United States Navy's order for 16. and five 75ft welded steel tugs which are I in various stages of completion. Four more of the steel tuas were to [ have been built, but until there have been negotiations between the New Zealand Government and LieutenantCommander A. C. Bushey. U.S.N., who is in charge of the Dominion's proI gramme for the American Navy, it is ■ not known whether the contra’ct will be completed or not. rhe cost of the I vessels will be borne bv the New Zealand taxpayer through reverse-lend-I lease and an agreement on this matter ' will have to be reached between the ■ two Governments. I Five of the 114 ft lighters are being built in Auckland, and two others are on the stocks at the Stevenson and Cook Engineering Company’s » arks at . Port Chalmers. The steel tugs are ; being built bv Steel Ships I-‘-er-’ at I Auckland, where 15 have previously ' been completed for the United States ■ Armv.