“UNDER CONSIDERATION.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12748, 18 September 1919, Page 3

“UNDER CONSIDERATION.”

GOVERNMENT MERCANTILE FLEET. [From Our Cokeest’oj^bbkt.] WELLINGTON, September 17. Colvin, who asked the Prime Minister who tiler, in view of the excessive cost of exporting the surplus produce of tiie Dominion the Government will _ take measures to secure at the earliest date a Government mercantile fleet of steamers, received the following reply: “ This matter is under consideration of the Government ” To Mr Jennings, who suggested the purchase of steamers to distribute State coal, the Prime Minister replied : “ This matter is under consideration, but owing to the abnormal demand for shipping and the consequent high prices, it is not likely that anything will be done for some time in the direction suggested.” Ihe Hon W. H. Herries mentioned in the House that when he was Minister of Railways ho recognised the necessity for the Department to have about three steamers to carry its coal supplies from Newcastle'. The plan was suspended owing to shortage of shipping and the high cost of now vessels. The question, of buying coal mines was a more doubtful proposition, because if coal was short and the railway mines were working, the probability was that the Coal Controller would divert supplies to other essential industries, so that the Department, would have no advantage from olvaing a raiua.