STATE AS SHIPOWNER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19846, 15 January 1920, Page 5

STATE AS SHIPOWNER.

MOVEMENT NOW WORLD-WIDE.

(Melbourne "Herald” Representative.) LONDON, December 2. Writing in “Fairplay,” Mr R. J. Turner strikingly summarises the rapid expansion of State-owned shipping. “With a view to the termination of the dependence on powerful combines, the Commonwealth tonnage is growing marvellously, and shortly will be equal to that of the premier English companies,” he says. . “ America owns 13,000,000 tons, and is planning a 30-knot steamer. Indian merchant princes, under Government auspices, have formed three important companies, and are buying and building ships. “ Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and even the West Indies have caught the infection of State enterprise Governments do not intend general nationalisation, but thev want fuller and faster While the Atlantic mails are carried at a speed of 25 knots the Australian, Sourth African, and New Zealand deliveries have remained for a quarter of-a century in the neighbourhood of 16 knots. “It is not a creditable record. The whole important question of Empire transport cannot be left'to be determ.nod on the basis of dividends.” I'air. 1 lay,” in a lending article suggests that surely Slate owncrsliip ation lke yto sJl ° rt of nat ‘°mdis-

W le u a Government competes hacked by taxpayers’ money, pS concerns cannot hopo to maintain - service, it continues. “If the f’nm momvealth works its new entenwise to its full capacity the British shipowner must go out or tho British Govcrninent must replace Inn. “Biit while the competition of the dominions must be carefully weighed the chief danger to English shinpim' lies m Amenca_ and Japan, which are ambitions and financially strong, while labour conditions provide an increas t0 D "«*